For the Good of the Rider

by Mary Wanless

Mary Wanless reveals the "how" of riding, helping riders to understand and make use of the biomechanical principles that are the foundation of good riding at every level.

Genres: Horses

333 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1999

Reviews

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked Wanless' descriptions of how to move your body to be a better rider. I thought they made sense, and she uses analogies that are better than just "heels down, shoulders back, smile!". I can't say I'm a much better rider for reading it, however, though that isn't necessarily a comment on Wanless' teaching or explaining ability. The book is for serious riders, people who really want to improve, and isn't very interesting or helpful for backyard horse enthusiasts or kids with their first pony. I also liked that she has a sense of humor and tells amusing stories to illustrate her points. I didn't finish it not because it wasn't good but just because there was so much stuff and I didn't want to read ahead before I mastered the skills at the beginning.

[K.S. Marsden · Rating 4 out of 5]

After attending a "Ride with your mind" seminar with one of Mary's qualified teachers, I of course went and bought the book to read. I have found it very useful in improving my own riding, and also increasing my understanding of how to improve my students'.
Mary Wanless combines science and sense. She does not patronise her readers, but lays out what she has found, how she found it (and even the most common way it is opposed!). And she has a great way of breaking it down and explaining it in ways that you may not have thought of before.

As all other horse riders and instructors will agree with me, there is no one right way of riding and learning; and I am not about to claim that Mary Wanless is the way to do it. But there are definitely sections to be picked out of this book and her others that will prove useful.

[Marsha]

Physical exrcises phikosophies --