Are you ready to enter, or re-enter the barn? Are you a former equestrian longing to ride again? Have you always had a dream of riding? Sarah Montague's The Adult Rider will lead you through the ins and outs of horseback riding today: where to take lessons, which disciplines to consider, fitness and nutrition tips, and what it will cost in both time and money.

Sarah Montague's The Adult Rider describes everything you need to know if you are interested in introducing (or reintroducing) horses to your life. The book begins with a thorough description of all equestrian disciplines-from Western (barrel racing, reining, cutting, penning) to English (show jumping, dressage, eventing) and so much more! You might try endurance riding, in which you and your equine partner hit the trails for miles, or maybe you've considered polo, a sport gaining popularity in theUnited States and creating opportunities for eager beginners. Perhaps you love horses, but aren't so sure you want to ride—Montague will introduce you to the thrill of driving, the artistry of in-hand competitions, and the joys of miniature horses. Whichever discipline you consider, the author takes you step by step through the process, from choosing a stable (what to look for in an instructor and in a barn) to picking out your new riding clothes (you need only a helmet and sturdy shoes to start, but there's a world of apparel and accessories once you're hooked). Do you think you might want to buy a horse someday? The Adult Rider describes this process as well, but also introduces you to other alternatives—like leasing, a month-to-month arrangementthat lets you see how a horse fits into your life in both time and money before you make a commitment. The Adult Rider recognizes that we are not the same as the resilient kids who fearlessly hop their pony over a fence for that very first time.Montague discusses what makes adults mentally and physically different, and how to overcome these challenges. In the chapter "The View from the Other Side of the Arena," Montague interviews several riding instructors on the difference between teaching kids and adults and the ways in which adults learn differently. All in all, the point is to have fun and The Adult Rider provides you with the know-how to jump into the horse world with both eyes open.

A memoir detailing a woman's insights about being an anxiety-ridden but passionate equestrian. After returning to riding as a mother, she is determined to follow her dreams despite the fear she is somehow lacking in talent or ability. An in-depth look into the heart and head of a returning adult equestrian, this message is not limited only those with horse experience. In fact, Confessions of a Timid Rider is the perfect book to read for anyone whom even for a moment questions their value in their designated profession or life choice. This book will inspire you to pursue your dreams despite the inner voice that says you arenÕt good enough.

Tough-as-nails fourteen-year-old Sid may not have expensive boots like the privileged teen riders in Virginia, but she knows her way around horses. Working with her Uncle Wayne since childhood, she’s learned to evaluate horses, break and train them, care for them . . . and ride like a professional. Amid turmoil at home, she dreams of becoming a catch rider—a show rider who can ride anything with hooves. In this salty, suspenseful teen novel, an unexpected opportunity to ride a top-notch horse in an equitation show takes the small-town girl all the way to Madison Square Garden.

This essential guide from the experts at Dirt Rider magazine covers everything from riding and repair basics to motocross tricks and flips. Affordable and easy to ride, dirt bikes are a great way to enjoy the great outdoors and build riding skills. Whether you just want to enjoy a ride through the backcountry or you’re gunning for motocross stardom, this book is full of hand-on tips and tricks to get you there. The Total Dirt Rider Manual covers: Gear: Learn how to buy the right bike for you, whether you’re looking at new models or used rides; suit up for style safety, and comfort; and adapt your gear to a wide range of riding conditions. Riding: Get all the information you need to enjoy a casual day on the trails or to compete year-round. Wrenching: The best of Dirt Rider magazine’s “Dr. Dirt” feature, providing step-by-step tutorials for repairs of all kinds. Suspension: A bike’s suspension is vital, expensive to fix, and tricky to diagnose. This special section offers clear, practical tips from America’s top race-bike mechanics that could save you thousands of dollars.

All it takes is eight seconds . . . Cam O'Mara, grandson and younger brother of bull-riding champions, is not interested in partaking in the family sport. Cam is a skateboarder, and perfecting his tricks—frontside flips, 360s—means everything until his older brother, Ben, comes home from Iraq, paralyzed from a brain injury. What would make a skateboarder take a different kind of ride? And what would get him on a monstrosity of a bull named Ugly? If Cam can stay on for the requisite eight seconds, could the $15,000 prize bring hope and a future for his big brother?