Showing posts with label Horseback Riding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Horseback Riding. Show all posts

Resources for Riders


Here’s a short list of resources to check out as your appetite for horseback riding and general equine knowledge increases.

Ten Rules of Riding Etiquette

In This Chapter
  • Communicating with other riders
  • Being appropriately slow and quiet on a horse
  • Approaching and passing with caution
  • Minding your manners on the trail

Ten Horseback Games to Improve Your Riding

In This Chapter
  • Breaking up your lesson routine
  • Playing games to build your skills

Even More Riding Styles and Activities

In This Chapter
  • Discovering alternative disciplines
  • Competing outside the show ring or just having fun
  • Taking a horse on trips

Show Off: Riding in Competition

In This Chapter
  • Discovering the inner workings of horse shows
  • Exploring different types of horse shows
  • Preparing to compete

Don’t Fence Me In: Trail Riding

In This Chapter
  • Getting set to go on a trail ride
  • Staying safe in the great outdoors
  • Exploring etiquette on the trail

Step Up: Riding Gaited Horses

In This Chapter
  • Understanding the four-beat gait
  • Exploring gaited horse breeds
  • Discovering the correct riding position

Exploring Horse Care

In This Chapter
  • Giving your horse a comfortable home
  • Examining feeding options for your horse
  • Keeping your horse clean and attractive
  • Taking care of your horse’s health

Taking the Plunge by Buying a Horse

In This Chapter
  • Exploring the idea of horse ownership
  • Considering various factors when you choose a horse
  • Getting some helps as you shop

Graduating to the Next Level of Riding

In This Chapter
  • Sleuthing out a more advanced instructor
  • Exploring the possibility of switching disciplines
  • Improving your riding skills by cross-training

Making the Leap into Jumping

In This Chapter
  • Exploring different jumping styles and fences
  • Moving through the jumping process
  • Going over a series of fences
  • Solving jumping problems

Getting on the Fast Track with the Lope or Canter

In This Chapter
  • Asking a horse to lope or canter
  • Riding the fast gait
  • Stopping, turning, and circling your horse at the lope or canter
  • Doing some high-speed exercises

Bumping Up Your Skills with the Jog or Trot

In This Chapter
  • Asking a horse to jog or trot
  • Riding the “bouncy” gait in different disciplines
  • Practicing stops, turns, and circles
  • Getting in some exercises

Enjoying the Walk

In This Chapter
  • Using the natural aids when you ride
  • Asking a horse to walk
  • Positioning yourself for Western, hunt seat, and dressage walking
  • Stopping, turning, circling, and backing
  • Practicing new skills with some exercises

Mounting and Dismounting

In This Chapter
  • Preparing to get on a horse
  • Mounting up for a ride
  • Dismounting safely

Working from the Ground, Saddling, and Bridling

In This Chapter
  • Staying grounded with horse handling
  • Saddling a horse with care
  • Putting on a bridle without breaking a sweat

Equipping Yourself with Other Important Gear

In This Chapter
  • Discovering casual riding apparel
  • Checking out show ring attire
  • Spurs and whips: Getting the lowdown on artificial aids

Getting a Heads-Up on Bridles

In This Chapter
  • Discovering bridle basics
  • Understanding Western bridles and bits
  • Looking at English equipment

Dressing Up Horses with Saddles

In This Chapter
  • Checking out the basic makeup of all saddles
  • Understanding saddle differences
  • Discovering details about saddle pads
  • Finding out about fitting

Not Just for the Brits: English Riding

In This Chapter
  • Focusing on English riding fundamentals
  • Recognizing English subdisciplines

Off into the Sunset: Western Riding

In This Chapter
  • Discovering the basics of the Western discipline
  • Surveying activities in Western riding

Safety First: Protecting Yourself around Horses

In This Chapter
  • Dressing safely
  • Staying secure on the ground
  • Employing safe riding practices

Mind and Body: Conditioning Yourself for Riding

In This Chapter
  • Discovering the importance of fitness for riders
  • Exercising to get in riding shape
  • Readying your mind for riding

School’s in Session: Taking Riding Lessons

In This Chapter
  • Looking for and evaluating riding stables
  • Locating a good riding instructor
  • Discovering how to really benefit from your lessons

Head to Hoof: The Mind and Mechanics of a Horse

In This Chapter
  • Entering the mind of a horse
  • Going over a horse’s physical characteristics
  • Checking out a variety of breeds

Giddy Up! Welcome to Horseback Riding

In This Chapter
  • Finding out how horses think and move
  • Getting started with riding lessons and conditioning
  • Exploring different riding disciplines
  • Advancing to the next level and having fun