Contents

Introduction

CHAPTER 1

Starting Out

Choosing a Riding School • Choosing a Trainer • What You Should Wear to Ride • Gaining Experience in the Saddle

CHAPTER 2

In the Saddle

Fit for Riding • Leading a Horse • Mounting a Horse • Perfecting Your Position • Dismounting

CHAPTER 3

Moving On

The Aids • First Steps • Steering • Halting • Exercises and Stretches You Can Do in the Saddle

CHAPTER 4

The Jog

Posting (Rising) Trot • Diagonals • Transitions • Jogging Exercises • Praise and Rewards • Riding Bareback

CHAPTER 5

The Lope and the Gallop

Leads • Asking for the Lope • Loping Tips • Loping Exercises • The Gallop

CHAPTER 6

Horse Problems

Reasons for Bad Behavior • Falling Off • Bucking Bolting • Rearing • Grass Grabbing • Kicking

CHAPTER 7

Trail Riding

Finding Trails • Trail Etiquette • Training Your Horse for the Trail • First Trail • Your Position in the Saddle • Safety on the Trail • Riding on the Road • Passing Scary Objects • Riding in a Group

CHAPTER 8

Showing Your Horse

Preparing Your Horse • What Your Horse Should Wear • What You Should Wear • Western Show Classes • Saddle Up and Go!

Resources

Glossary