Includes both fairly basic information (how to mount a horse), and really complex stuff (advanced dressage techniques, horse training, etc)...so it's not a good beginner book...but has some stuff that's too easy for an advanced rider. And there is only one short metion of Western riding...all the focus is on dressage, showjumping, and cross country...so I don't know that it's a "complete" horse riding manual. That's being said, it had a lot of interesting information, and was worth reading. :)