Horseback riding is one of the world’s most popular activities. Much has been written about the various styles, techniques, and competitive events in the sport. But all too often resources, authors, and even instructors neglect the most important and unique aspect of riding: the relationship between rider and horse. In The Gentle Art of Horseback Riding, Gincy Self Bucklin shares her horse-friendly approach for developing comfortable, competent riders. Its step-by-step lesson format makes it an excellent resource for those who teach riding to others. Whether you are just beginning or have ridden before, Bucklin’s methods can improve your skills and make you a better, more confident rider. Inside The Gentle Art of Horseback Riding, you’ll learn that the key to success at every level is understanding your horse and how to relate to him physically, mentally, and emotionally. This will help you advance more quickly, feel more confident, and have more fun. You’ll also discover much, much more: • The seven steps for dealing with fear-related stress • Interpreting your horse’s behavior and body language • Saddling up, riding in half-seat positions, and using the reins • Basic movements, including walk, trot, canter, turns, and transitions • More advanced trotting, cantering, galloping, hill work, and fence jumping skills Whether you have a serious or casual interest in the sport as a whole or just one of its many disciplines, The Gentle Art of Horseback Riding is a must-read. Insightful and fascinating, it will enhance the riding experience for you and your horse.

Step-by-step lessons teach riders of all ages basics, including developing a good relationship with the horse, mounting and riding, and progresses to more advanced skills, including jumps.

This book thoroughly covers with all aspects of bitless bridles in general and specifically with bitless riding. The author focuses on giving the reader a general overview of the range of bitless bridles available and the purpose and function of each of these. The main part of the book however deals with the subject of riding without a bit including an extensive discussion of many of the preconceptions surrounding bitless riding. Individual exercises are explained in detail with reference to both the biomechanics of riding and classical riding methods, clearly setting out the advantages of riding with a bit.

Horse trainer Jonathan Field has made a name for himself with his unique ability to give people simple, understandable, doable steps that lead to working with a horse “at liberty” in a safe and progressive manner. True engagement with a horse at liberty isn’t just about removing tack and stepping outside the arena—it’s about connection, trust, and communication through movement. Enrich your relationship with your horse, improve your “feel,” and teach your horse to respond to the subtlest of cues; no matter your discipline, whether you compete or ride for pleasure, liberty training can change the way you interact with horses forever.

A celebration of Clydesdales, Percherons, Belgians and other heavy horse breeds.

Out of print for more than 20 years, this classic book on equitation introduces and explains the art of riding. Updated with all new color photography of contemporary riders and horses, it includes details on training the rider, schooling the horse, cross-country riding, dressage exercises, and jumping techniques. It expertly provides a wealth of practical knowledge and experience and concisely lays down rules and guidelines that are as applicable today as when the book was written more than 70 years ago. Beginners and experts alike will find the instructions easy to follow and will benefit from the essential theoretical background provided here but so often overlooked in modern riding.