Ride with Your Mind Essentials: Innovative Learning Strategies for Basic Riding Skills

by Mary Wanless

Whilst the horse world is rich in descriptions that tell us what horse and rider should look like, we lack good information about exactly "how" to produce the desired results. Good horsemen ride well without knowing how they do it, and without understanding why you are not like them and cannot do it too.

During 23 years of research it has been Mary Wanless' personal mission to expose the secrets of horsemanship, breaking down riding skills into "bite-size chunks" and finding ways of describing them that work for average riders. By using the learning strategies given here the rider should discover how to connect with the horse in a way that makes sense to him and enables him to carry himself well, in self-carriage. At the same time the techniques aim to offer the rider security, stability and effectiveness in the saddle.

This title sets out to simplify "Ride With Your Mind" methods and to provide a basic tool-kit for the acquisition of a truly independent seat in walk, trot and through transitions, on straight lines, turns and circles - and, importantly, how to make corrections when things don't go exactly to plan. Mary explains how to use the hands, legs and body correctly, and gives the ingredients for perfect contact. In each section, the instruction is backed up by practical self-tests and exercises to ensure success, and there are ideas for troubleshooting during the learning process and in the future.

Genres: Horses

144 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2002

Reviews

[Jody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many years ago I read an article by Mary Wanless, and it transformed my thinking about my riding position, and how I could influence the horse. Recently, I have picked up the occasional ride again, and while I'm not competing, I wanted to ride in balance and in harmony, at least as much as my aging body can manage!
This was fairly quick to read, but has some useful imagery to help you align your body to the best position. While it might not be the only book you'll need, it's a decent addition to any horse riders bookshelf.

[Arska-täti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ratsastusta ilman ohjista vetoa, selkää ylös kohottaen. Jos tämän kirjan ohjeita pystyy noudattamaan, ratsastustyyli muuttuu dramaattisesti.

[Nicole Dodd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Game changer

This book is going to change how you ride and coach. Prepare for a total paradigm shift. Your horse will thank you.

[Belle Meade School]

798.23

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting to read the actual text after I've been riding using these principles for the last year or so. It has vastly improved my riding and it was nice to read what she wrote and how my instructor and I have applied it to our riding. Highly recommend it for anyone interested in dressage.

[Courtney MacQuarrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the details on helping a riders position. She has a way with words to just make your ride that much better after just reading this book. I can't wait to read her new book.