Riding

Eyewitness Companions

by Moira C. Harris

This book shows you what others only tell you. It is a unique visual guide on all aspects of horse-riding, from learning how to ride to looking after a horse. The three main riding disciplines of dressage, show jumping, and cross-country are covered plus tips on equipment, techniques and competitions. It is a must have for all horse enthusiasts, from the keen competitor to the casual rider.

Genres: Horses, Nonfiction, Sports

Paperback

First published March 1, 2006

Reviews

[Negin Hdzdh · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a good recommendation for beginners but not much included for higher levels.

[Steven Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Way back when I still lived on our family's farm, we purchased a couple horses. Every once in awhile, I would saddle up and ride one or the other horse. I never learned a lot of basics (there was no one to teach me in the immediate area!).

For instance, I never learned how to handle the trot properly (I'd bounce around in hilarious fashion!). The description of how to handle that particular gait in this book is very well done. After having read it, I could now do the job properly! I will also say that there is something pretty exciting about riding a horse when she or he is moving at a full gallop. The horse's breathing, seeing the horse begin to sweat, hearing the hooves pounding, experiencing the power of the animal. . . .

This book is a nice introduction to riding, covering many subjects--from how to saddle a horse up to competition. The early parts of the book discuss the history of riding and speak of the horse as a creature (including the four gaits and how to behave around horses). The following section focuses on the basics, including saddling a horse. Take my advice from experience: horses can be clever! I can recall saddling up one of our horses and climbing aboard, only to feel the saddle slipping around. I soon discovered that horses might hold their breaths. Upon being saddled, there was a release and the saddle was now loose. Beware!

All in all, a good resource, especially for neophytes. As noted above, I wish that I had possessed this little volume while I would ride every so often.

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you need to know horses feeding them, riding anything this book is highly recommended. It's not a chapter book it's more an information book. The good thing about it is that this book stays a good level. In that I mean that it does mean something even if you get really advanced in riding. From the part of how to mount a horse, to doing stable management. It goes far ahead to even owning a horse. Even if you aren't going to ride horses it's still fun to read how much work they are. It's useful, because for example I'd like to go horse riding in Europe in the summer. In the back it shows so places that you could go. I wish this book was made into a movie because it's hard to see the different step if it isn't moving the images.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent overview and a perfect refresher course on things I haven't thought about in years.

[Con Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative and concise - for beginners

[Suvi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perusjenkkikirja, jossa ratsastusta käsitellään pintapuolisesti. Sopii lajiin tutustuville, mutta pidempään harrastaneille ehkä liian höttöistä luettavaa, josta ei saa juurikaan mitään uutta irti.