Riding : A Guide For New Riders [Paperback]

Kate Delano-Condax Decker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1995

RIDING - A GUIDE FOR NEW RIDERS tells the beginning rider everything he or she needs to know: what to do, how to do it, and how to be sure it's done right. From your very first day in the saddle to the day you ride over fences, this book will patiently guide you, explaining each step clearly and completely in plain language and with more than fifty illustrations. Following each chapter is a quiz so you can measure your own progress as you go along.

Among the topics covered in this essential book are: how to find a good instructor; what to wear (and what not to wear); how to tell a good horse from a bad one; how to buy, lease, or rent a horse and the pros and cons of each; what equipment you'll need to get started and what it will cost; what not to buy and how to get the best value for your investment; supping exercises for the rider to establish balance and confidence; the dynamics of the horse's movement at walk, trot, canter, and gallop; the rider's position at each gait; the basics of elementary dressage; how to "think like a horse;" how to ride safely across country, over fences, and in traffic; how to lead, groom, tack up, braid, trailer, catch, tie, mount, dismount, and even take a spill safely; and more.

Highly recommended by the United States Equestrian Team, and endorsed by Olympic Gold Medal winner Bruce Davidson and other leading riders and coaches, RIDING - A GUIDE FOR NEW RIDERS is a book no rider can afford to be without.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Not much in sports looks more regal than the sight of a well-turned-out rider on a beautifully groomed horse, two fine athletes working as a single unit. There is, of course, far more to horsemanship than mounting up and slipping a pair of shiny leather boots into the irons. In easy-to-follow steps, this thoroughly illustrated, readable primer by an internationally accredited horse show judge patiently takes beginning riders through the requisite paces from the simplest notions to the more sophisticated concepts of equine psychology and communication.

Review

"An excellent book! It is not only practical but a necessity for every up-and-coming young rider." -- Bruce Davidson, World Champion Three-Day Event Rider, and Olympic Gold Medalist

"Basics through a clear communication system is the secret to learning. Riding: A Guide For New Riders is just that. It provides an enjoyable study for horsemen of all levels, be they riders, teachers, trainers, or parents." -- George H. Morris, Coach, former member, USET and of the 1959 PanAmerican Games and the 1960 Olympics

"A very helpful book for anyone who is serious about learning to ride properly. Both the text and the illustrations are clear and to the point. I recommend it highly!" -- Judy Richter, former AHSA Horsewoman of the Year, and recognized AHSA judge

"As a professional horsewoman, I find the equestrian art a perpetual learning experience. RIDING clearly explains material that will be educational for riders from the beginner to the very advanced." -- Carol Hofmann Thompson, former member USET

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: The Lyons Press; 1st edition (May 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558213953
• ISBN-13: 978-1558213951
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,085,851 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Covers it all, and clearly, January 30, 2002

By 

Linda Blanchard (Midland, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Riding : A Guide For New Riders (Paperback)

The best possible book for the beginning rider, this book doesn't stick simply to riding, but has chapters on taking lessons, the first horse (buy, lease or rent?), riding clothes, tack and equipment, horse psychology, mounting-dismounting and falls, riding position, riding aids for each gate and movement, cavalletti and jumping, care of the horse, and a diagnostic chapter on problems and emergencies.

Filled with clear line drawings and straight-to-the point text, this book does a thorough job of covering just about everything you could need to know to get started in riding. I use it in conjunction with Cherry Hill's Arena Exercises as the basis of riding lessons.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding! The best book on riding I have ever seen., April 10, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Palisades,NY,USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Riding: A Guide for New Riders (Hardcover)

It is hard to top a book this good.By far the most comprehensive information needed to ride safely and well.Yet so clearly written a child could understand it. Small wonder that this book is endorsed by Olympic Gold Medalist and twice World Champion Bruce Davidson,and by the United States Equestrian Team.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It is practical and a necessity for all young riders!!!, December 10, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Riding : A Guide For New Riders (Paperback)

This book goes over everything a beginning rider or just someone who wants to go over riding tecniques could ever want to go. If you want to learn a lot and have a good, well written horse book you should read this book. Once you are done reading this book you will find yourself a better and mone confident rider.