Riding well can be a puzzle. This book puts together the pieces, including:
– How humans and horses learn.
– Striving for partnership vs. dictatorship.
– Early training and developing skills.
– Demystifying equestrian-speak.
– Dressage outside the arena.
– Ground poles for the rest of us.
– Jumping and cross-country tips.
– Solving problems, wherever you ride.
– Competition psychology.
– Being coached and being a coach.
“This book is aimed at riders, coaches, and anyone interested in learning more about how humans and horses interact. I have tried to harness my own experiences when I cover the three main disciplines—dressage, show jumping, and eventing—and how they relate to one another. I look at how those in a coaching position can guide riders to perform better by making their lives less complicated and more fulfilling, and I examine how riders can apply the same principles to training their horses and become self-sufficient.” —Eric Smiley
