Over 1020 colour photographs
Over 16 illustrations

• An essential guide to basic and advanced riding techniques, and a comprehensive directory of riding equipment



• Tips on choosing the most appropriate tack, with clear step-by-step instructions for cleaning and fitting saddles, bridles, and bits



• Includes information on safety equipment and clothing for the horse and rider, including clothing for show jumping, polo and racing, and horse accessories such as rugs, boots and bandages



• Straightforward riding instruction for the novice rider, from how to sit on a horse to trotting, cantering and galloping



• Detailed advice for the more experienced rider, including passing a dressage test, jumping skills and cross-country riding, as well as information on competition riding, from mounted games to race riding



• Over 1000 specially commissioned photographs, including step-by-step sequences throughout

The pleasures of horse riding are many and varied, but to get the most enjoyment from this sport requires a special understanding of the horse's mental and physical attributes and how to harness them, as well as a comprehensive knowledge of tack and horse clothing.

This book is an invaluable guide to every aspect of horsemanship, from the diverse and specialist equipment for both horse and rider to learning to ride and competing in riding competitions.

The first section of the book is a directory-style approach to the complete range of horse equipment: saddles, bridles and bits, training aids and gadgets, clothing and protective equipment. Each item is described in detail and clear photographs help you make an informed choice. Novice riders can learn from the step-by-step sequences on fitting tack, and expert riders can compare the examples of contemporary designs.

The second section is a detailed step-by-step presentation of riding techniques. It begins by explaining the basics, such as sitting on a horse and using your hands and legs to move from a walk to a trot. More advanced skills follow, including refining your rhythm and balance, and tackling fences.

In the third and final section, the wide range of activities that horse and rider can enjoy are presented. All types of individual pursuits and team sports are examined, such as jumping sports, endurance riding and polo. The rider is guided towards the activity most appropriate for their skill level and the ability of their horse.

With over 1000 photographs, this accessible and comprehensive guide to everything equestrian is essential reading for horse-lovers of all ages and aiblities who want to get the most out of their horse-riding experience.

About the Authors

Debbie Sly - Author

Debby Sly is a talented rider and equestrian journalist and author. Her first book, the highly acclaimed, Mary Thompson’s Eventing Year, was published in 1993 and her more recent titles include Olympic Eventing Masterclass, All the King’s Horses, and the fiftieth anniversary celebration Badminton Horse Trials: The Triumphs and The Tragedies. She also contributes to ‘Your Horse’ magazine and trains her own event horses point-to-pointers.

Kit Houghton - Photographer

Kit Houghton has been at the forefront of equestrian photography for more than 25 years, in which time he has contributed images to over 150 books, virtually every equestrian publication worldwide and many consumer magazines and newspapers. www.houghtonhorses.com

Sarah Muir - Author

Sarah Muir has ridden all her life and is a keen follower of equestrian sports. She has successfully shown her own horse and competed in dressage, show jumping and horse trials. She is assistant editor of Horse and Rider magazine, where she writes on a wide variety of subjects.