The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship: Basics for Beginners/D Level, Vol. 1 »

About the Author
Susan E. Harris is a riding instructor, clinician, author and artist from Cortland, New York. She has taught all seats and styles of riding and currently travels nationwide to give riding clinics and instructor-training clinics in Centered Riding. Two of her books, the classic Grooming to Win and Horse Gaits, Balance and Movement, are published by Howell. She is writing two more Pony Club manuals: C Level (Intermediate) and B and A Levels (Advanced), which will be published soon.

This book is written and illustrated for youngsters who want to learn to ride, especially those who are members of the U.S. Pony Clubs, Inc. and want to meet the USPC's Standards of Proficiency. If you are that youngster, you will be able to read this book on your own. It will show you how to become a careful, thoughtful rider and how to communicate with and understand your pony. Some sections, however, are meant to be read by an adult (a parent or riding instructor), so you can get the extra help you may need to reach your goals. By the time you have read this book you will know a lot about:
* riding in a ring and in the open
* beginning jumping
* pony care and handling
* safety
* having fun and meeting challenges
You will also feel good knowing that you are on your way to being a horseman and not just a rider.

A Note from The United States Pony Clubs, Inc.

Introduction for Parents.

PART 1: About Pony Club, Learning to Ride and Selecting a Pony.

Chapter 1: For Children and Parents: Getting Started Right.

PART 2: Learning to Ride.

Chapter 2: D-1 Level: Beginning to Ride.

Chapter 3: D-2 Level: Improving Your Riding.

Chapter 4: D-3 Level: Better Riding.

PART 3: Pony Care and Management.

Chapter 5: Handling, Leading and Tying Your Pony.

Chapter 6: Pony Care and Management.

Chapter 7: Feeding, Watering and Condition.

Chapter 8: Your Pony's Feet and Shoeing.

Chapter 9: Health Care and Veterinary Knowledge.

Chapter 10: Travel Safety and Trailering.

PART 4: Pony Knowledge, Tack and Turnout.

Chapter 11: Pony Talk: Pony Parts, Colors and Conformation.

Chapter 12: Tack.

Chapter 13: Dress and Turnout.

Index.