Giddy up! Your guide to horseback riding is here!

There's nothing quite like the sound of a horse's gallop. Add to that the sight of its mane catching wind as its powerhouse body criss-crosses the boundary of strength and graceful agility. They are majestic creatures to behold--and if you've caught the equine bug, Horseback Riding For Dummies is all you need to get saddled up and started on your journey to riding into the sunset!

Inside, riders at the beginner level will discover the differences between Western and English riding styles, get the knowledge to select the best stable and instructor, and so much more!

• Choose the riding discipline that best suits your interests

• Find a qualified riding instructor

• Learn how to enter the competitive riding world

• Fit and care for the saddle, bridle, and other equipment

  Once you've fallen for one of these beautiful animals, it's hard to hold your horses--and this guide is here to give you the skills and know-how to take that excitement to the ring!

  Autorentext

Audrey Pavia is the former editor of Horse Illustrated magazine and an award-winning writer of numerous articles on equine subjects. The author of 10 books about horses, she has also contributed to Horse & Rider, American Farriers Journal, and many other animal magazines.

Klappentext

• Find a qualified riding instructor
• Choose the riding discipline that best suits your interests

• Learn how to enter the competitive riding world Giddy up and get riding! There's nothing quite like the sound of a horse's gallop. Add to that its mane catching the wind and its powerful, graceful agility, and you have one of the most majestic creatures on earth. If you've caught the equine bug, this book is all you need to get saddled up for an exhilarating ride into the sunset! You'll discover the differences between Western and English riding, how to choose the best stable and instructor, and more. No need to hold your horsestake the reins, and be ready to learn everything you need to know! Inside...

• Find a good stable
• Select the right gear
• Keep your riding muscles fit
• Build a rapport with a horse
• Ride in the ring or on trails
• Improve balance and timing

• Buy your own horse

  Zusammenfassung
  Giddy up! Your guide to horseback riding is here!

  There's nothing quite like the sound of a horse's gallop. Add to that the sight of its mane catching wind as its powerhouse body criss-crosses the boundary of strength and graceful agility. They are majestic creatures to beholdand if you've caught the equine bug, Horseback Riding For Dummies is all you need to get saddled up and started on your journey to riding into the sunset!

  Inside, riders at the beginner level will discover the differences between Western and English riding styles, get the knowledge to select the best stable and instructor, and so much more!

• Choose the riding discipline that best suits your interests
• Find a qualified riding instructor
• Learn how to enter the competitive riding world

• Fit and care for the saddle, bridle, and other equipment
  Once you've fallen for one of these beautiful animals, it's hard to hold your horsesand this guide is here to give you the skills and know-how to take that excitement to the ring!

  Inhalt

Introduction 1

About This Book 1

Foolish Assumptions 2

Icons Used in This Book 2

Beyond the Book 3

Where to Go from Here 3

Part 1: Horseback Riding Basics 5

Chapter 1: Giddy Up! Welcome to Horseback Riding 7

Discovering the Horse's Mind and Body 8

Taking Riding Lessons 8

Getting into Riding Shape 9

Keeping Yourself Safe around Horses 10

Selecting the Right Riding Style and Gear 10

Riding High from the Start 11

Preparing on the ground 12

Mounting and dismounting 12

Getting a grip on gaits 12

Jumping 13

Adjusting to Advanced Riding 13

Stepping up your current riding routine 14

Buying your own horse 14

Looking after your horse 14

Enjoying Fun and Games on Horseback 15

Chapter 2: Head to Hoof: The Mind and Mechanics of a Horse 17

Understanding How Horses Think 18

Getting a grip on equine society 18

Interpreting equine expressions 18

Getting along with horses 20

Examining the Equine Body 22

The parts of a horse 22

The height of a horse 23

The buildup: Horse conformation 24

Stepping out: The gaits of a horse 24

Colors and markings 27

Sifting through Breed Differences 30

Realizing that breed may matter 30

Picking through popular breeds 30

Chapter 3: School's in Session: Taking Riding Lessons 35

Finding the Best Stable for Your Needs 36

The initial search: Identifying stables in your area 36

Your major: Finding a school that offers your discipline 36

Campus visit: Evaluating stables with a sharp eye 37

Choosing an Instructor or Trainer 38

Deciding between a riding instructor and a horse trainer 39

Understanding what to look for in an instructor or trainer 39

When you strike out with stables: Seeking out a different teacher 40

Getting the Most from Your Lessons 41

Deciding between individual and group lessons 41

Setting up your lesson schedule 42

Working with your instructor or trainer 43

Chapter 4: Mind and Body: Conditioning Yourself for Riding 47

Understanding Why You Need to Condition Yourself 47

Getting into Riding Shape 48

Lightening the load: Shedding those extra pounds 48

Developing endurance with aerobic exercise 50

Building strength 50

Cross-training: Practicing yoga and Pilates for flexibility and strength 53

Stretching yourself: Increasing flexibility just before you mount 53

Preparing Your Mind 57

Knowing your role as the horse's leader 57

Banishing your fear 58

Chapter 5: Safety First: Protecting Yourself around Horses 61

Dressing the Part with Safe Clothing 62

Covering your head 62

Slipping into the right shirt 64

Protecting your legs 64

These boots are made for riding: Donning the right footwear 65

Removing your jewelry 66

Keeping a Close Eye on Horses When You're on the Ground 66

Being in close confines with a horse 66

Moving around a tied horse 67

Identifying dangerous horse moves 68

Staying Secure on a Horse 69

Checking your tack before you saddle up 69

Riding with others 70

Hitting the trail by yourself 71

Part 2: Getting Set with the Right Riding Style and Gear 73

Chapter 6: Off into the Sunset: Western Riding 75

Looking at the Nitty-Gritty of Western Riding 75

Uses 76

Tack and apparel 76

The horses 77

The ride 77 Checking Out Western Ridi...