How Your Horse Wants You to Ride: Starting Out, Starting Over (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "I have always been interested in learning more about my trade..." (more)
Key Phrases: outside seat drops, seat open position, lateral centering, Solving the Balance Problem, Communicating Considerately, Overcoming Rein Resistance (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Learn to ride correctly, safely, and confidently

In this breakthrough guide, renowned riding expert Gincy Self Bucklin offers adult riders a unique, proven method for developing a good physical, mental, and emotional relationship with a horse. Whether you're a beginner, a more experienced rider looking to enhance your skills, or someone who used to ride but is reluctant to try again, Bucklin's step-by-step exercises-slowly and carefully practiced first on the ground and then on your horse-will have you riding with confidence and without fear. You'll build a safe and caring partnership with your horse as you:
* Understand how your actions affect your horse
* Improve your form, release tensions, and find balance
* Communicate with your horse to gain his trust
* Stay in charge without being controlling
* Observe your horse's responses and learn from them
* Increase your horse's comfort-both physically and psychologically


"If you' ve ever said to yourself, 'Why can' t I . . . ?,' you' ll find the answer here to why you can' t, and exactly how to solve the problem. Whatever your level, you'll gain greater understanding and become a better rider and horseman from reading this book."
-George H. Morris, internationally renowned clinician, USEF Show Jumping vice-president, ARIA master instructor, and member of the U. S. Equestrian Federation Board of Directors

"How Your Horse Wants You To Ride is chock full of innovative and practical tools presented in a thoroughly entertaining style. A delightful read for riders at all levels!"
-Jane Savoie, olympic alternate and author of That Winning Feeling!, Cross Train Your Horse, More Cross Training, and It's Not Just About the Ribbons

From the Back Cover

Learn to ride correctly, safely, and confidently

In this breakthrough guide, renowned riding expert Gincy Self Bucklin offers adult riders a unique, proven method for developing a good physical, mental, and emotional relationship with a horse. Whether you’re a beginner, a more experienced rider looking to enhance your skills, or someone who used to ride but is reluctant to try again, Bucklin’s step-by-step exercises--slowly and carefully practiced first on the ground and then on your horse--will have you riding with confidence and without fear. You’ll build a safe and caring partnership with your horse as you:

• Understand how your actions affect your horse
• Improve your form, release tensions, and find balance
• Communicate with your horse to gain his trust
• Stay in charge without being controlling
• Observe your horse’s responses and learn from them
• Increase your horse’s comfort--both physically and psychologically

"If you’ ve ever said to yourself, ‘Why can’ t I . . . ?,’ you’ ll find the answer here to why you can’ t, and exactly how to solve the problem. Whatever your level, you’ll gain greater understanding and become a better rider and horseman from reading this book."
--George H. Morris, internationally renowned clinician, USEF Show Jumping vice-president, ARIA master instructor, and member of the U. S. Equestrian Federation Board of Directors

"How Your Horse Wants You To Ride is chock full of innovative and practical tools presented in a thoroughly entertaining style. A delightful read for riders at all levels!"
--Jane Savoie, olympic alternate and author of That Winning Feeling!, Cross Train Your Horse, More Cross Training, and It’s Not Just About the Ribbons

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 432 pages
• Publisher: Howell Book House (October 15, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764570994
• ISBN-13: 978-0764570995
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #32,493 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Literally starting over!, December 7, 2004

By	P. Gluckin - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have ridden horses since I was a young child. I thought I was a good rider. Bless the horses who have continually forgiven me all of my riding blunders. Now it is my turn to return their kindness by becoming a better rider.

I am currently taking riding lessons with an excellent instructor. I find it helpful to refer to parts in this book that coincide with my lessons so that I can better understand what is going on between me and my horse. Gincy's 7-Steps help me to mentally and physically prepare for the lessons.

My instructor and I have discussed some of Gincy's techniques and have found that my horse responds beautifully and my riding skills are improving.

This book offers clear,concise instructions with explanations of how, why and when along with tons of encouragement. The author has a way of presenting the material without the reader feeling like a buffoon (and you won't even need a dictionary or thesaurus to get through it!) She shares her riding bloopers and many of her ups and downs while she was learning. Gincy is a real person writing in a down-to-earth, no-nonsense fashion. There is no waste in this book!

This is one book you might prefer not to pass around to friends. For one thing, you might not get it back. For another, it is handy for quick reference when needed. I ended up buying 3 more(for Christmas gifts) so I could selfishly keep mine yet let my friends in on a great reading discovery.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Value, November 18, 2005

By	AvidReader "AvidReader" (Acworth, GA United States) - See all my reviews

This book will work for riders at any level. The author presents essential, practical information in clear, understandable language. Some of this material is found in other books, but written in vague terms, or reserved for the advanced rider. The author compiles many ideas in one place, and gives the information concisely to the reader at all levels, so that incorrect habits can be corrected or prevented. The ideas are presented with case studies, visuals, and hands-on learning tools, not just as abstract theories. The book will be invaluable to the riding instructor as well, as it offers alternative ways to explain basic concepts to students with different learning styles. Whether you wish to add to an extensive library, or on a budget that restricts you to only a few books, this is one to have in your hands.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So Glad I Found This Book, August 4, 2006

By	Elly (ontario, Canada) - See all my reviews

Gincy's Book How Your Horse Wants You to Ride: Starting Out, Starting Over, is a true gem! So many books seem to assume you know a lot already, where as this book really starts with the basics and allows you to progress very quickly with confidence.

Throughout the book Gincy gives exercises that you can do by yourself or with a partner. These exercises allow you to feel what the horse feels when ridden incorrectly versus correctly. This is a real eye opener, suddenly it all starts to make sense. I thought sitting tall was for my appearance and posture, now I understand how my position affects the horses ability to do his job and more importantly I understand WHY.

I have found that the Seven steps which Gincy teaches can be used for more than just riding.

Although I have been riding for six years, I never really felt safe and secure with my abilities. Since starting over with this book, I am very confident in what I have accomplished and I am confident enough to take it slow, and at my own pace. Both my horse and myself are so grateful to Gincy for writing her books and I highly recommend this one for all riders, there is something in it for everyone.