Cheryl Kimball - The Everything Horseback Riding Book: Step-by-step Instruction to Riding Like a Pro

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THE EVERYTHING HORSEBACK RIDING BOOK

Step-by-step instruction for riding like a pro

Cheryl Kimball

To all those riders, novice or experienced, who feel that their
horsemanship could always get better, and, as always, to horses
that do their very best to tolerate the human learning process.

__________________________________________

Copyright 2005, F+W Publications, Inc. All rights reserved.
This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced
in any form without permission from the publisher; exceptions
are made for brief excerpts used in published reviews.

An Everything Series Book.
Everything and everything.com are registered trademarks of F+W Publications, Inc.

Published by Adams Media, an F+W Publications Company
57 Littlefield Street, Avon, MA 02322 U.S.A.
www.adamsmedia.com

ISBN: 1-59337-426-7

Printed in the United States of America.

J I H G F E D C B A

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Kimball, Cheryl.
The everything horseback riding book / Cheryl Kimball.
p.cm.
(An everything series book)
ISBN 1-59337-426-7
1. Horsemanship. I. Title. II. Series: Everything series.
SF309.K44 2005
798.2dc22
2005015479

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information with regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional advice. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought.

From a Declaration of Principles jointly adopted by a Committee of the
American Bar Association and a Committee of Publishers and Associations

Many of the designations used by manufacturers and sellers to distinguish their products are claimed as trademarks. Where those designations appear in this book and Adams Media was aware of a trademark claim, the designations have been printed with initial capital letters.

This book is available at quantity discounts for bulk purchases.
For information, please call 1-800-872-5627.

Contents

Acknowledgments

I would first like to thank the many horses who have tolerated me over the years as I learned to become a better rider. I have a long way to go but I couldn't have come this far without the patience (and in some cases the lack of it!) of each and every one.

Equally as patient in my progress as a rider have been the clinicians I have ridden with. They have pushed me when I needed it, supported me when I needed that, and allowed me to drift and learn on my own when that seemed the best way. The best way I know to thank them is to continue to ride with them and to simply ride.

As always, my group of horse friends is invaluable to me in all my equine endeavors. We bounce ideas off each other and encourage and support each other with advice, empathy, and encouragement.

Thanks to Gena McGrath, Gelinas Farm, and the folks at David & Charles who all have helped in what ended up being a difficult search for the right photos at the right resolution showing the right thing. Kate Burgo at Adams Media has been a most patient editor. And all the people behind the scenes who I don't get to interact with also have my appreciation.

Top Ten Reasons to Ride Horses

1. You've wanted to ride ever since you were little.

2. It's a perfect excuse to spend time in a barn.

3. Learn something new and be challenged every time you ride.

4. Be outside a lot.

5. Great excuse to buy some cool clothes.

6. You can eat more since you expend a lot of calories.

7. Impress your nonriding friends.

8. Keep physically fit without going to the gym.

9. Meet great people.

10. Have a meaningful relationship with a half-ton animal.

Introduction

YOU ARE READING THIS BOOK so the idea of riding horses has piqued your interest. If you fit into the usual profile, this interest in riding has been percolating for a whilewhether you are fourteen years old or forty-five! It's not hard to understand.

Horses are a lot of things. They are huge, which makes them fascinating. They are simple yet can seem very complicated. And they are beautiful. Sleek coats, flowing manes, soft muzzleswho wouldn't want to be around them?

Horses are also inherently dangerous to humans. If you want to spend time around horses it's your responsibility to learn how to interact with a horse in the safest way possible. That doesn't mean simply being sure to always wear a helmet when you ride, although that is certainly a smart thing to do. Being safe around horses entails learning what is important to a horse and respecting thatand expecting respect from the horse in return.

There's no need for being stepped on all the time or being kicked or bitten. A horse will do all these things if he doesn't understand the parameters of your relationship. There's also no need to force the horse to comply with your wishes by using harsh equipment, training, and riding techniques. Improve your horsemanship and you will get what you want from your horse.

It's very important for a horse is to get along with its rider. If you can learn to communicate effectively with a horse, the horse will readily meet you halfway. When you get to that point of mutual respect, you'll have one of the most rewarding relationships in the world.

This book will help you with all of that. Although learning good horsemanship is a lifelong pursuit that isn't possible to treat between the covers of any book no matter how long, the following pages touch upon the important points you will want to consider as you explore the fascinating world of horseback riding.

For some people, horseback riding comes naturally. These people climb into the saddle, the horse starts to move, and the two look like they belong together. Perhaps that describes you. More likely it doesn't.

Most new riders need to learn some techniques and get some experience riding. The value of saddle time can't be overestimated. If you are totally brand new to riding and feel like a chimp clinging to the saddle, have faithone year from now you will look back and be amazed at how far you have come.

And although it can be a little cliche, it's absolutely true when it comes to horseback riding: The journey is more important than the end result. Even the most accomplished horseback riders will tell you that learning good horsemanship is a process that never ends.