The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship: Basics for Beginners - D Level (Book 1) [Paperback]

Susan E. Harris (Author), Ruth Ring Harvie (Editor)

Book Description

Series: Uspc Manual | Publication Date: April 15, 1994

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.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

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.

About the Author

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Howell Book House; 1 edition (April 15, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0876059523
• ISBN-13: 978-0876059524
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #32,609 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #18 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Animal Care & Pets > Horses > Riding
  • #26 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Individual Sports > Horses > Equestrian

More About the Author

Susan E. Harris is a renowned horsewoman, artist, riding instructor and international clinician who conducts Centered Riding clinics and Anatomy in Motion™ demonstrations in the United States, Europe and around the world. Her unique Visible Horse presentation, in which she paints the skeleton and muscles on a living horse, has been a popular attraction at clinics and expos. With Peggy Brown, Susan created the Anatomy in Motion™ Visible Horse and Visible Rider DVDs.

Susan Harris is a regular contributor to EQUUS magazine, and also illustrates other horse books. When not writing or traveling, she enjoys riding her Clydesdale cross gelding, Masquerade. Her website is www.anatomyinmotion.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

47 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The D Manual Is The Book to Start With -, February 2, 2000

By 

K. McKnight "mcfarm" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship: Basics for Beginners - D Level (Book 1) (Paperback)

In all my years of riding and teaching this is the book I recommend first to beginners and their families. This book spells out the "right way" and what a great way to start. Safety is stressed - the basics are covered. If you or a friend wants to get started with horses this is definitely the book to start with. Once you know this book read the C manual - if you know all that you will be ready for just about anything. Then if you want to fine tune your abilities with horses read the B manual and then the A - BUT START WITH THE D MANUAL!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful! Best book for beginners of all ages!, June 12, 1998

By 

G. Slusher (Eugene, Oregon) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship: Basics for Beginners - D Level (Book 1) (Paperback)

I'm a long-time riding instructor, especially for the US Pony Clubs. This book is the *ONE* book I'd recommend for anyone starting to learn to ride and care for a horse--regardless of their age. While it's written for children, adults find the clear language, straight-forward presentation, and logical organization extremely useful. I cannot praise it highly enough.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Susan Harris- Multitalented Communicator, January 22, 2004

By 

"kjshasta" (Johnson City, New York United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship: Basics for Beginners - D Level (Book 1) (Paperback)

There is a saying that a picture is worth a thousand words. Susan Harris is not only a gifted artist ; drawing her explanations of concepts she is relating ; she draws pictures with her words, and for anyone lucky enough to attend one of her clinics , she draws explanations with body language. I am fortunate to have Sue as my friend and mentor for 30+ years & have told her often that "She could read the phone book to you & You'd never lose interest". She is also a gifted horsewoman & teacher. She posseses an ability to locate the crux of a lack of understanding & with empathy for both horse & rider guides them to a solution. If I had to limit my horse library to just a few books, her USPC manuels would be the first chosen. They are a wealth of information on all aspects of horsemanship , for every level of horseman , of any age. Her choice of words combined with her own illustrations gives very clear & interesting information.Sue stresses empathy for your horse & safety issues in every topic -2 basics to have ingrained in anyone who wishes to be around horses. I have recommended these books to all who share the "addiction" to horses with me.