Introduction.

Part I: Beginning with Horseback Riding Basics.

Chapter 1: Giddy Up! Welcome to Horseback Riding.

Chapter 2: Head to Hoof: The Mind and Mechanics of a Horse.

Chapter 3: School’s in Session: Taking Riding Lessons.

Chapter 4: Mind and Body: Conditioning Yourself for Riding.

Chapter 5: Safety First: Protecting Yourself around Horses.

Part II: Getting Set with the Right Riding Style and Gear.

Chapter 6: Off into the Sunset: Western Riding.

Chapter 7: Not Just for the Brits: English Riding.

Chapter 8: Dressing Up Horses with Saddles.

Chapter 9: Getting a Heads-Up on Bridles.

Chapter 10: Equipping Yourself with Other Important Gear.

Part III: Settling into the Saddle and Easing into Riding.

Chapter 11: Working from the Ground, Saddling, and Bridling.

Chapter 12: Mounting and Dismounting.

Chapter 13: Enjoying the Walk.

Chapter 14: Bumping Up Your Skills with the Jog or Trot.

Chapter 15: Getting on the Fast Track with the Lope or Canter.

Chapter 16: Making the Leap into Jumping.

Part IV: Riding into Advanced Pastures.

Chapter 17: Graduating to the Next Level of Riding.

Chapter 18: Taking the Plunge by Buying a Horse.

Chapter 19: Exploring Horse Care.

Part V: Having Fun with Other Styles and Activities.

Chapter 20: Step Up: Riding Gaited Horses.

Chapter 21: Don’t Fence Me In: Trail Riding.

Chapter 22: Show Off: Riding in Competition.

Chapter 23: Even More Riding Styles and Activities.

Part VI: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 24: Ten Rules of Riding Etiquette.

Chapter 25: Ten Horseback Games to Improve Your Riding.

Appendix: Resources for Riders.

Index.

Don’t know a horse’s head from its tail, a trot from a canter, withers from a fetlock? No problem. Coauthored by a medal-winning equestrian and nationally respected equestrian trainer, it tells you what you need to know about that elegant animal, body and soul, to become an accomplished rider. And it trains you in all the technical basics of riding for fun or competition, including how to:

• Find a good stable and instructor
• Select riding gear
• Warm up and keep riding muscles fit
• Establish a rapport with a horse
• Cue a horse to walk, jog, trot, lope, and cantor
• Ride in the ring and on trails
• Improve your balance and timing
• Compete in horse shows
• Buy and care for your own horse

Stop dreaming about it and learn to ride like the wind with Horseback Riding for Dummies—the ultimate beginner’s guide to all things equestrian.

New feature

Tips on warming up, improving control, and staying safe

Get to know your horse and communicate with him

Hooked on horses? Ready to ride? This easy-to-follow guide is all you need to settle in the saddle and start riding for fun or competition. You'll see how to mount and dismount; ride in Western or English style; cue your horse to walk, jog or trot, and lope or canter; make the leap to jumping; and even enjoy fun and games with your horse.

• Find the best stable and instructor

• Select riding gear

• Ride in the ring and on trails

• Improve your balance and timing

• Compete in horse shows

• Buy and take care of a horse