The Gentle Art of Horseback Riding

by Gincy Self Bucklin

Horseback riding is one of the world’s most popular activities. Much has been written about the various styles, techniques, and competitive events in the sport. But all too often resources, authors, and even instructors neglect the most important and unique aspect of the relationship between rider and horse. In The Gentle Art of Horseback Riding , Gincy Self Bucklin shares her horse-friendly approach for developing comfortable, competent riders. Its step-by-step lesson format makes it an excellent resource for those who teach riding to others. Whether you are just beginning or have ridden before, Bucklin’s methods can improve your skills and make you a better, more confident rider. Inside The Gentle Art of Horseback Riding , you’ll learn that the key to success at every level is understanding your horse and how to relate to him physically, mentally, and emotionally. This will help you advance more quickly, feel more confident, and have more fun. You’ll also discover much, much • The seven steps for dealing with fear-related stress • Interpreting your horse’s behavior and body language • Saddling up, riding in half-seat positions, and using the reins • Basic movements, including walk, trot, canter, turns, and transitions ò More advanced trotting, cantering, galloping, hill work, and fence jumping skills Whether you have a serious or casual interest in the sport as a whole or just one of its many disciplines, The Gentle Art of Horseback Riding is a must-read. Insightful and fascinating, it will enhance the riding experience for you and your horse.

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book! Thanks librarything for choosing me as a winner of this book for free. Everything you need to know about horseback riding is in here. Nothing was left untouched and the pictures also really help you understand what they are telling you to do when trying all their techniques. If you are interested in starting horseback riding or are already an experienced rider this is still a must own book for anyone who loves horses and has an interest in horseback riding! A+++

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Won this book on Goodreads Giveaway. Thank you!
Anyone planning or already taking Horseback riding should read this book. It gives techniques and tips from caring for the horse to exercises for the rider. The Author explains each technique which are simple and easy to understand along with photos. It is also written so that you can go back to a certain section and reread it to refresh your mind on any of the steps the rider may need to improve on. This book will make riding easier to learn and give the rider more confidence before actually getting on the horse.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like the car manual you get when you purchase a car! It shows you the parts of the horse, how to ride it, touch it, dress for it and everything else related to horseback riding. Very explanatory and with great pictures showing how to do each exercise. Everyone who owns a horse should have this handy for newcomers and students willing to learn the gentle art of horseback riding.

[Audrey]

Most of the content was too basic for me. There were a couple of concepts I wasn't as familiar with (galloping and jumping). While I didn't benefit much from this book because I am more experienced, this book would be amazing for people who have never ridden before. This is hard to rate because it's a well written instructional book, it's just not for me.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this as a Goodreads giveaway. Thanks. I wouldn't attempt to critique the material because I know nothing about horseback riding. The format of the book is neat and the information is very thorough, the pictures as well. The glossary in the back helps sort out the vernacular.

[LynnG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some interesting exercises with a more "centered riding" style. much more focused on seat and posture

[Bern · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book from First Reads. I don't know the first thing about horses, but this book seems like an accessible and sensible introduction to riding. The pictures and off-horse exercises made it easy to picture proper technique, and I liked the overarching theme of riding being a cooperative effort between rider and horse.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't know anything about Horseback Riding? Then this is definitely the book for you. In fact, if I taught a class on Horseback Riding this would be the required reading!


*Won From Goodreads Giveaway*