Giddy up! Your guide to horseback riding is here!
There's nothing quite like the sound of a horse's gallop. Add to that the sight of its mane catching wind as its powerhouse body criss-crosses the boundary of strength and graceful agility. They are majestic creatures to behold--and if you've caught the equine bug, Horseback Riding For Dummies is all you need to get saddled up and started on your journey to riding into the sunset!
Inside, riders at the beginner level will discover the differences between Western and English riding styles, get the knowledge to select the best stable and instructor, and so much more!
* Choose the riding discipline that best suits your interests
* Find a qualified riding instructor
* Learn how to enter the competitive riding world
* Fit and care for the saddle, bridle, and other equipment
Once you've fallen for one of these beautiful animals, it's hard to hold your horses--and this guide is here to give you the skills and know-how to take that excitement to the ring!
Autorentext
Audrey Pavia is the former editor of Horse Illustrated magazine and an award-winning writer of numerous articles on equine subjects. The author of 10 books about horses, she has also contributed to Horse & Rider, American Farriers Journal, and many other animal magazines.
Klappentext
- Find a qualified riding instructor
- Choose the riding discipline that best suits your interests
- Learn how to enter the competitive riding world
Giddy up and get riding!
There's nothing quite like the sound of a horse's gallop. Add to that its mane catching the wind and its powerful, graceful agility, and you have one of the most majestic creatures on earth. If you've caught the equine bug, this book is all you need to get saddled up for an exhilarating ride into the sunset! You'll discover the differences between Western and English riding, how to choose the best stable and instructor, and more. No need to hold your horsestake the reins, and be ready to learn everything you need to know!
Inside...
- Find a good stable
- Select the right gear
- Keep your riding muscles fit
- Build a rapport with a horse
- Ride in the ring or on trails
- Improve balance and timing
- Buy your own horse
Zusammenfassung
Giddy up! Your guide to horseback riding is here!
There's nothing quite like the sound of a horse's gallop. Add to that the sight of its mane catching wind as its powerhouse body criss-crosses the boundary of strength and graceful agility. They are majestic creatures to beholdand if you've caught the equine bug, Horseback Riding For Dummies is all you need to get saddled up and started on your journey to riding into the sunset!
Inside, riders at the beginner level will discover the differences between Western and English riding styles, get the knowledge to select the best stable and instructor, and so much more!
- Choose the riding discipline that best suits your interests
- Find a qualified riding instructor
- Learn how to enter the competitive riding world
- Fit and care for the saddle, bridle, and other equipment
Once you've fallen for one of these beautiful animals, it's hard to hold your horsesand this guide is here to give you the skills and know-how to take that excitement to the ring!
Inhalt
Introduction 1
About This Book 1
Foolish Assumptions 2
Icons Used in This Book 2
Beyond the Book 3
Where to Go from Here 3
Part 1: Horseback Riding Basics 5
Chapter 1: Giddy Up! Welcome to Horseback Riding 7
Discovering the Horse's Mind and Body 8
Taking Riding Lessons 8
Getting into Riding Shape 9
Keeping Yourself Safe around Horses 10
Selecting the Right Riding Style and Gear 10
Riding High from the Start 11
Preparing on the ground 12
Mounting and dismounting 12
Getting a grip on gaits 12
Jumping 13
Adjusting to Advanced Riding 13
Stepping up your current riding routine 14
Buying your own horse 14
Looking after your horse 14
Enjoying Fun and Games on Horseback 15
Chapter 2: Head to Hoof: The Mind and Mechanics of a Horse 17
Understanding How Horses Think 18
Getting a grip on equine society 18
Interpreting equine expressions 18
Getting along with horses 20
Examining the Equine Body 22
The parts of a horse 22
The height of a horse 23
The buildup: Horse conformation 24
Stepping out: The gaits of a horse 24
Colors and markings 27
Sifting through Breed Differences 30
Realizing that breed may matter 30
Picking through popular breeds 30
Chapter 3: School's in Session: Taking Riding Lessons 35
Finding the Best Stable for Your Needs 36
The initial search: Identifying stables in your area 36
Your major: Finding a school that offers your discipline 36
Campus visit: Evaluating stables with a sharp eye 37
Choosing an Instructor or Trainer 38
Deciding between a riding instructor and a horse trainer 39
Understanding what to look for in an instructor or trainer 39
When you strike out with stables: Seeking out a different teacher 40
Getting the Most from Your Lessons 41
Deciding between individual and group lessons 41
Setting up your lesson schedule 42
Working with your instructor or trainer 43
Chapter 4: Mind and Body: Conditioning Yourself for Riding 47
Understanding Why You Need to Condition Yourself 47
Getting into Riding Shape 48
Lightening the load: Shedding those extra pounds 48
Developing endurance with aerobic exercise 50
Building strength 50
Cross-training: Practicing yoga and Pilates for flexibility and strength 53
Stretching yourself: Increasing flexibility just before you mount 53
Preparing Your Mind 57
Knowing your role as the horse's leader 57
Banishing your fear 58
Chapter 5: Safety First: Protecting Yourself around Horses 61
Dressing the Part with Safe Clothing 62
Covering your head 62
Slipping into the right shirt 64
Protecting your legs 64
These boots are made for riding: Donning the right footwear 65
Removing your jewelry 66
Keeping a Close Eye on Horses When You're on the Ground 66
Being in close confines with a horse 66
Moving around a tied horse 67
Identifying dangerous horse moves 68
Staying Secure on a Horse 69
Checking your tack before you saddle up 69
Riding with others 70
Hitting the trail by yourself 71
Part 2: Getting Set with the Right Riding Style and Gear 73
Chapter 6: Off into the Sunset: Western Riding 75
Looking at the Nitty-Gritty of Western Riding 75
Uses 76
Tack and apparel 76
The horses 77
The ride 77
Checking Out Western Ridi...