Product Description

This unique guide to learning to ride is designed to inspire and instill confidence in young riders, or inexperienced riders of any age. Providing in-depth yet easy-to-understand practical information, accomplished horsewoman and riding instructor Caroline Davis helps the reader progress from preparing for the first lesson through to jumping and 'going it alone.' The heart of the book is developing the special relationship between horse and rider, making this book particularly appropriate for a shy rider.

Detailed sections offer advice on choosing the best riding school and instructor, how to care for and tack up a horse, how to pick riding gear, mounting, learning to walk, trot, canter and gallop, and beyond, and how to cope in a variety of riding situations. It explains what to expect in a riding lesson, how to work with the instructor and, for those who can, how to purchase and care for a horse.

The author's sensitive guidance is enhanced by comprehensive information, including:

• handy-hint panels
• clear, color illustrations and full color photographs
• annotated drawings explaining riding postures and horse gaits and movements
• point-by-point lessons
• Question Times to cover common problems and concerns
• extensive information on all of the various equestrian sports
• the essentials of horse care
• glossary, useful addresses and further reading.

The author's passion for horses and riding, her compassion for young students, and her experience as a teacher are evident in her empathetic tone and reasonable and comforting expert advice.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #890311 in Books
• Published on: 2000-09-02
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: .41" h x 9.14" w x 10.99" l, 1.18 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 178 pages

From School Library Journal
Grade 4 Up-Despite its high-flown subtitle, this book really presents the usual basic principles and practices of good horsemanship. In a matter-of-fact, somewhat dry tone, Davis leads readers through the hows and whys of learning to ride and care for a horse that stress safety and consideration for the animal. Plenty of photographs and illustrations show both the fun and work that the sport can provide. A final chapter discusses equestrian activities and competitions. The depth of coverage is somewhat unique, offering more than Lucinda Green's Riding (DK, 2000) and less than Sibylle Luise Binder's Riding for Beginners (Sterling, 1999). Double-spaced text results in an open look. Readers eager to get in the saddle will find this coverage to be just what they need.
Lisa Falk, Los Angeles Public Library
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Gr. 5-8. This comprehensive guide, generously illustrated with full-color photographs and drawings, will appeal to riding enthusiasts who take the sport seriously. There are chapters devoted to riding aids and techniques and choosing schools and proper equipment. Davis also discusses buying and caring for a horse and competitions.. Detail-minded readers will appreciate Davis' extensive explanations, but many youngsters will find some sections beyond their scope of interest--for example, the three-page chapter on school exercises, which consists almost entirely of diagrams. It would be unfortunate if such sections turned children away, because Davis has really assembled a wealth of information and tips. Perhaps the most important thing Davis has to offer, though, is her strong sense of the importance of the bond between horse and rider. For libraries in areas where there is access to equestrian activities. Glossary. Lauren Peterson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review
Readers eager to get in the saddle will find this coverage to be just what they need. (Lisa Falk School Library Journal 20010201)

A must read for young people interested in learning to ride. (Horseman's Yankee Pedlar )