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• Cover
• Introduction
• About This Book
• Foolish Assumptions
• Icons Used in This Book
• Beyond the Book
• Where to Go from Here
• Part 1: Horseback Riding Basics
• Chapter 1: Giddy Up! Welcome to Horseback Riding
• Discovering the Horse’s Mind and Body
• Taking Riding Lessons
• Getting into Riding Shape
• Keeping Yourself Safe around Horses
• Selecting the Right Riding Style and Gear
• Riding High from the Start
• Adjusting to Advanced Riding
• Enjoying Fun and Games on Horseback
• Chapter 2: Head to Hoof: The Mind and Mechanics of a Horse
• Understanding How Horses Think
• Examining the Equine Body
• Sifting through Breed Differences
• Chapter 3: School’s in Session: Taking Riding Lessons
• Finding the Best Stable for Your Needs
• Choosing an Instructor or Trainer
• Getting the Most from Your Lessons
• Chapter 4: Mind and Body: Conditioning Yourself for Riding
• Understanding Why You Need to Condition Yourself
• Getting into Riding Shape
• Preparing Your Mind
• Chapter 5: Safety First: Protecting Yourself around Horses
• Dressing the Part with Safe Clothing
• Keeping a Close Eye on Horses When You’re on the Ground
• Staying Secure on a Horse
• Part 2: Getting Set with the Right Riding Style and Gear
• Chapter 6: Off into the Sunset: Western Riding
• Looking at the Nitty-Gritty of Western Riding
• Checking Out Western Riding Activities
• Chapter 7: Not Just for the Brits: English Riding
• Examining the Basics of English Riding
• Brushing Up on the Basic English Styles
• Chapter 8: Dressing Up Horses with Saddles
• Going Over the Basic Makeup of a Saddle
• The Heavy Hitters: Western Saddles
• On the Smaller Side: English Saddles
• Setting Yourself Up with Saddle Pads
• Playing Matchmaker as You Fit Saddles
• Chapter 9: Getting a Heads-Up on Bridles
• Breaking Down the Basic Parts of a Bridle
• Gearing Up with Western Bridles and Bits
• Examining English Bridles and Bits
• Chapter 10: Equipping Yourself with Other Important Gear
• Dressing in High Style
• Reviewing Artificial Aids
• Part 3: Settling into the Saddle and Easing into Riding
• Chapter 11: Working from the Ground, Saddling, and Bridling
• Handling Horses from the Ground
• Putting on a Saddle Properly
• Saving the Bridling for Last
• Chapter 12: Mounting and Dismounting
• Get Set: Preparing to Mount
• Get on Up: The Mechanics of Mounting
• Wrap It Up: Preparing to Dismount
• Get Down: The Mechanics of Dismounting
• Chapter 13: Enjoying the Walk
• Body Language: Helping Your Riding with the Natural Aids
• Asking a Horse to Go for a Walk
• Riding the Walk in Western
• Riding the Walk in Hunt Seat
• Riding the Walk in Dressage
• Maneuvering the Horse at the Walk
• Trying a Couple of Walking Exercises
• Chapter 14: Bumping Up Your Skills with the Jog or Trot
• Asking the Horse to Pick Up the Pace
• Riding the Jog in Western
• Riding the Trot in Hunt Seat
• Riding the Trot in Dressage
• Maneuvering the Horse at the Jog or Trot
• Trying Some Exercises
• Chapter 15: Getting on the Fast Track with the Lope or Canter
• Cueing the Horse to Lope or Canter
• Riding the Lope in Western
• Riding the Canter in Hunt Seat
• Riding the Canter in Dressage
• Maneuvering the Horse at the Lope or Canter
• Trying a Couple of Balancing Exercises
• Chapter 16: Making the Leap into Jumping
• Delving into Different Types of Jumping
• Checking Out Types of Fences
• Making Your Way through the Jumping Process
• Riding over Multiple Jumps
• Overcoming Jumping Problems
• Part 4: Riding into Advanced Pastures
• Chapter 17: Graduating to the Next Level of Riding
• Finding a New Instructor or Trainer
• Switching Disciplines
• Growing Stronger with Advanced Conditioning
• Improving Your Balance and Timing
• Chapter 18: Taking the Plunge by Buying a Horse
• Deciding Whether to Get a Horse of Your Own
• Figuring Out What Kind of Horse to Buy
• Walking through the Horse-Buying Process
• Chapter 19: Exploring Horse Care
• Gimme Shelter: Proper Horse Housing
• Chow Time: Dealing with Your Horse’s Hunger and Thirst
• Hey, Good Lookin’: Grooming Your Horse
• A Little TLC: Maintaining Your Horse’s Health
• Part 5: Having Fun with Other Styles and Activities
• Chapter 20: Step Up: Riding Gaited Horses
• Defining the Four-Beat Gait
• Checking Out Breeds Who Display Fancy Footwork
• Riding a Gaited Horse
• Chapter 21: Don’t Fence Me In: Trail Riding
• Preparing for a Trail Ride
• Staying Safe on the Trail
• Happy Trails: Minding Your Manners
• Chapter 22: Show Off: Riding in Competition
• Understanding How Horse Shows Work
• Surveying Different Types of Shows
• Gearing Up for a Horse Show
• Displaying Good Manners at Horse Shows
• Chapter 23: Even More Riding Styles and Activities
• The Road Less Ridden: Trying Other Disciplines
• Horseplay: Surveying Sports, Exhibitions, and Other Equine Activities
• Traveling with a Horse
• Part 6: The Part of Tens
• Chapter 24: Ten Rules of Riding Etiquette
• Tie a Red Ribbon on a Kicker’s Tail
• Go Slowly after You Mount
• Communicate with Your Fellow Riders
• Avoid Hollering
• Keep a Safe Distance from Others
• Approach Courteously from the Rear
• Pass Left Shoulder to Left Shoulder
• Prepare Your Horse for Trail Riding
• Be Courteous during Water Breaks on the Trail
• Help Others during Times of Trouble
• Chapter 25: Ten Horseback Games to Improve Your Riding
• Simon Says
• Ride-a-Buck
• Treasures on the Trail
• Magazine Race
• Ride and Tie
• Red Light, Green Light
• Follow the Leader
• Boot Bucket Race
• Egg and Spoon Carry
• Around the World
• Appendix: Resources for Riders
• Breed Registries
• Riding Instructor Organizations
• Equine Equipment Online Retailers
• Competition and Activity Organizations
• Other Equine Organizations
• Horse Magazines
• Recommended Books
• Index
• About the Authors
• Advertisement Page
• Connect with Dummies
• End User License Agreement