Customer Reviews

For the Good of the Rider

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I just started reading this book and think that it is wonderful. Mary Wanless is able to explain things in a very different way then I have ever been taught before. I find myself glued to this book. Since I am only able to ride once or twice a week, I use this book to prepare me for my next lesson.

I want to express first off that I like this book and give it four stars. Much of what she is trying to present is valid to my riding and it was interesting reading about concepts I have had difficulty describing. However, if I did not already know and feel what she was talking about I could not get "there" from "here". It important to note that Mary also expresses great frustration in trying to use words to describe feel, and were I to attempt what she does I would fall far short of her effort. I think for many this book will be a help, but for those who really need it, they won't get it, even with the book. Of course it is unlikely that they will be reading the book in the first place. It is for those of us that DO read and try through intellect to understand more of our equine partner. For that we owe Mary a vote of thanks, she does a commendable job of presenting a nearly impossible task of getting you to visualise through her words and examples.
My main objection is her total lack of evidence to support her claims. She refers to 10,000 tries as a minimum to achieve a change, yet nowhere does she show that this number is scientifically valid, perhaps it is 100,000 tries. I mean jeez who has ever counted... The same goes for "Z" angles, where she presents drawings. I think her position is valid and would love to see human X-rays or any other photographic evidence to show real actual movement, and bone weighting, and other details to support her asumptions. And I'm not at all sure about her presentation of "center of gravities". Her description contradicts Henry Wynmalen's in his book "Equitation", and I find his explanation more true.

Riding well is as difficult as she makes it out to be. Reading her book raises awareness, however; One must also RIDE, WITH FOCUS, EVERY DAY, for years, and only then will you (perhaps) become a quality horseman.

I am an advanced adult rider who is looking to refine the aids used in dressage. I found this book far to obtuse and inflated with 'chat' to be useful. The author expresses ideas such as 'lifting with the thighs' and 'bearing down', and certainly it is understood that there should be muscle tone and activity in these areas of the body. However, beyond expressing anecdotes of the miracles created by using these muscles there are no solid explainations. The promise of biomechanics leaves one to believe there will be explicit detail but instead the descriptions are more poetic. I lost patience halfway through the book.

I am also an advanced adult rider and did not find this book useful at all. It is very wordy with not a single photograph. A ridiculous way of trying to impart information about dressage or any other riding discipline. Very prissy writing style perhaps favored in some circles on the other side of the pond.

I keep this book near by and open it whenever I have a moment. It is beautifully written, the information is 'do able' for any one and the approach is respectful of our horses needs for non-conflicting training approaches. The book makes use of anatomy and bio-mechanics that anyone can follow,images,body balancing exercises for straightness and a respect for the struggles that are so inherent in the traditional approaches to learning to ride well. When the rider is correct, the horse has no choice but to balance himself. No jerking or spuring allowed. Extremely effective approach. Be willing to work, change, feel weird, and accept your responsibility up there. Riders of any level who are truly "students" will benefit from this book. I started to underline important parts and found I was underlining the whole book! I ride in her clinics and have seen horses improve greatly in a matter of hours or minutes !! E-mail me if you like. Martha Peddicord Fgeier@juno.com

This book was very helpful in improving my riding position. I thought it was written very clearly with wonderful use of mental images.