9781580170826

This reassuring introduction to riding helps novice riders maximize the lesson experience with information about safety, horse behavior, basic riding exercises, and preparing for that first show. This companion guide will help readers feel confident and at ease with a qualified instructor, and help them hone their skills outside

Author Mike Smith has extensive experience with horses, for he has been teaching riding for over 25 years, owns two horse centers and 50 percent interest in a third. He has a master's degree from the British Horse Society, and holds an Instructors Certification from the Potomac Horse Center in Maryland. Mike rides and trains to the 4th level in Dressage, and has trained and competed with A-Level hunters and jumpers. He has a rigorous training program for the instructors employed at his stables, and he is responsible for the instruction of 1,000 students. Mike's book, Getting the Most from Riding Lessons, is a popular Storey title. He resides in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Introduction

1

(3)

Part I: The Basics

4

(46)

Lesson 1: Leading, Mounting, and Walking

4

(19)

Leading the Horse

Mounting the Horse

Holding the Reins Correctly

The Rider's Position

Asking the Horse to Move Forward

Halting the Horse

Walking Faster

Turning Left or Right

Dismounting

Lesson 2: Learning to Trot

23

(11)

Introduction to the Trot

Learning the Posting Trot

Learning Tips

The Crop

A Faster or Slower Trot

Coordinating Hand and Leg Aids

Posting to the Diagonal

Lesson 3: Riding in a Field

34

(8)

Outside Influences

Mounting Outside the Ring

Controlling the Horse

The Half Halt

The World Is Not Flat

Lesson 4: The Sitting Trot

42

(8)

Introduction to the Sitting Trot

Gripping Is a Sin!

Following the Horse

Taking It Slow

Relax!

Don't Do It Backward

Part II: The Finer Points

50

(62)

Lesson 5: Improving Control

50

(15)

The Bit

Rein Aids

Bending the Horse

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Getting the Most from Riding Lessons

Getting the Most from Riding Lessons

158017082X

Summary

Author Biography

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials

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