40 Fundamentals of English Riding: Essential Lessons in Riding Right - Hardcover

by Hollie H. McNeil (Author), Lendon Gray (Foreword by)

Learn correct seat, leg, and hand positions; the three basic gaits of walk, trot, and canter; how to perform halt and half-halt; how to direct a horse's movement correctly and energetically; and much more. Each fundamental is defined and explained, with plenty of tips on proper technique and an emphasis on how to avoid common errors.

Front Jacket

Elevate your performance on horseback by mastering the basic principles of classic riding. Every rider active in English equestrian sports, whether dressage or jumping, will benefit from a solid review of the fundamentals. Taken as a complete program, 40 Fundamentals of English Riding provides core training designed to give you more confidence and better control while helping you communicate more effectively with your horse.

McNeil's extensive experience as a teacher comes through in the clear, orderly instructions that describe each fundamental. To further explain every position, technique, and exercise, photographs illustrate key moments, and the enclosed DVD brings action sequences to life. The emphasis throughout is on avoiding and correcting common riding problems.

The 40 topics include establishing correct riding positions; effectively using primary and secondary aids to communicate with your horse; improving the rhythm and regularity of your horse's gaits; and understanding and using all elements of the training scale. McNeil also discusses riding techniques, schooling figures, and lateral work. These 40 essential concepts reinforce the basics and remind riders at every skill level to pay close attention to the subtleties that make good riders into great riders.

Back Jacket

Refine your riding skills with 40 essential lessons, fully described in an integrated program featuring written instruction, photographs, and live-action video.

#34 Figure Eights
#5 Light Seat
#14 The Canter
#20 Rhythm
#8 Hand/Rein Aids
#27 Flexion