Judy Richter's Riding for Kids: Stable Care, Equipment, Tack, Clothing, Longeing, Lessons, Jumping, Showing

by Judy Richter

Designed for preteens and young teenagers, Riding for Kids guides beginning equestrians through a comprehensive learn-to-ride program. Focusing on the fundamentals of English riding, Judy Chapple covers everything from tacking up for the first time through jumping routines. Stressing safety at all times, Chapple presents a logical and progressive lesson plan that includes more than 150 step-by-step photographs that help reinforce correct positioning, balance, and aids. Young riders will find everything they need to know to hone their skills and start competing in the show ring. 

144 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2003

Reviews

[K.L. Bernard]

Children love horses. Learning to ride one isn't the easiest thing to do. Judy Richter has put together a wonderful guide filled with information, photos, a glossary of terms and so much more. Young readers will learn step-by-step how to ride a horse and become very savvy in regards to all of the equipment associated with riding a horse. Riding horses is very expensive. With the help of an instructor families can get help in order to stay within budge. Richter provides top notch information for beginning riders in regards to how to dress appropriately for riding, grooming your pony, how to sit on the saddle and correct leg positions are just a few of the topics. Extensive photographs are displayed throughout the book that show readers and riders exactly what should and should not be done. Quick tips boxes are displayed throughout the book offering references to chapter topics and refreshers for readers who are just needing some quick help. Diagrams show suggested exercises to practice, first at the walk, later at the trot, and then at the center. The letters help riders stay focused and crated a ride that will help reach the destination safely and methodically. Diagrams also demonstrate transitions, halts and half-halts. The section that covers “From Circles to Serpentine’s” shows young riders how to practice and keep circling motions precise. For example: The S-turn through the circle, as from X-toc, is one way to change direction; bending, then straightening one or two strides, and then bending in the other direction. Richter also covers topics such as “Three Basic Jumping Exercises” 1) Stop on a line. 2) Shift hands to the outside, then press the horse out toward the rail with your inside leg as you bend him around that leg and hold him with the outside leg. 3) Shift hands to the outside, ask for a flying change if necessary, and continue around the turn holding out and looking in toward the next jump. The information on these pages is so precise and helpful, readers wouldn't have to look anywhere else. Anyone wanting to learn how to ride a horse will be thoroughly engaged.

[Arabesque]

An ok book, I learned one or two things from it. But there are better books out there. Not extremely useful to me.

[Becca Mcnally]

I learned more than if I had lessons on a horse.

[Colleen]

Just reading this book many times and memorizing it would make it for beginning riders to learn to ride faster.