The Young Equestrian: Professional Instruction for Ambitious Riders

by Caroline Davis

This unique guide to learning to ride is designed to inspire and instill confidence in young riders, or inexperienced riders of any age. Providing in-depth yet easy-to-understand practical information, accomplished horsewoman and riding instructor Caroline Davis helps the reader progress from preparing for the first lesson through to jumping and 'going it alone.' The heart of the book is developing the special relationship between horse and rider, making this book particularly appropriate for a shy rider. Detailed sections offer advice on choosing the best riding school and instructor, how to care for and tack up a horse, how to pick riding gear, mounting, learning to walk, trot, canter and gallop, and beyond, and how to cope in a variety of riding situations. It explains what to expect in a riding lesson, how to work with the instructor and, for those who can, how to purchase and care for a horse. The author's sensitive guidance is enhanced by comprehensive information,

Genres: Young Adult

128 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2000

Reviews

[Marsha Valance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caroline Davis's "The Young Equestrian: Professional Instruction for Ambitious Riders" is a clearly-written, thorough, basic guide to horse care for the rider aged 12 to adult. Davis covers the basics of riding in an easily understood, step by step manner, illustrating each segment with photos and simple drawings that add to the reader's comprehension. For example, the dismount is broken down into 7 steps: 1. Ensure the horse is standing still. 2. Take your feet out of the stirrup irons. 3. Put your reins into your left hand and rest it on the horse's neck. 4. Put your right hand on the pommel. 5. Simultaneously lean forward slightly, and swing your right leg back and over the horse's quarters, being careful not to kick it. 6. Allow yourself to slide down and off the horse, landing gently and facing forward. 7. Keep hold of the horse. The photographs were carefully chosen to illustrate the right [and safe] way to perform every action. In fact, my only quarrel with the book is that on pages 120-121, 3 of the 4 photos show people riding without helmets, an omission that occurs no where else in "The Young Equestrian". This is quite probably the best non-fiction horse book for young adults since Garden Way published Judy Chapple's "Your Horse: a Step-by-step Guide to Horse Ownership" in 1984.