The Gentle Art of Horseback Riding. An Innovative Approach for Riders of all Disciplines

Description

Horseback riding is one of the world's most popular activities. Much has been written about the various styles, techniques, and competitive events in the sport. But all too often resources, authors, and even instructors neglect the most important and unique aspect of riding: the relationship between rider and horse.

In The Gentle Art of Horseback Riding, Gincy Self Bucklin shares her horse-friendly approach for developing comfortable, competent riders. Its step-by-step lesson format makes it an excellent resource for those who teach riding to others.

Whether you are just beginning or have ridden before, Bucklin's methods can improve your skills and make you a better, more confident rider.

Inside The Gentle Art of Horseback Riding, you'll learn that the key to success at every level is understanding your horse and how to relate to him physically, mentally, and emotionally. This will help you advance more quickly, feel more confident, and have more fun.

You'll also discover much, much more:

• The seven steps for dealing with fear-related stress
• Interpreting your horse's behavior and body language
• Saddling up, riding in half-seat positions, and using the reins
• Basic movements, including walk, trot, canter, turns, and transitions
• More advanced trotting, cantering, galloping, hill work, and fence jumping skills

Whether you have a serious or casual interest in the sport as a whole or just one of its many disciplines, The Gentle Art of Horseback Riding is a must-read. Insightful and fascinating, it will enhance the riding experience for you and your horse.

Contents

Foreword
Preface

Taking a Different Approach
Laying a Proper Foundation

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1 Starting out Right
Why you Need Professional Instruction
Finding the Right Instructor
Riding Attire

Chapter2 The Real Tools for Success
The Three Basics
The Seven Steps and Grounding
Safety Guidelines

Chapter 3 Getting to Know the Horse
Handling the Introduction in a Closed Space
Getting Acquainted Out in the Open
Grooming

Chapter 4 Overcoming Your Natural Fear of Falling
Mounting in Baby Steps
Dismounting Safely
Preparing for the Emergency Dismount
Getting Comfortable On the Horse

Chapter 5 Taking Your First Real Ride
Using the Bareback Pad to Achieve a Secure Seat
Using the Grounding Strap
Mounting: Getting It Right From the Start
Following the Motion
Lateral Centering
Putting It All Together

Chapter 6 The Indispensable Halter and Staying Centered During Turns and Transitions
Rope Halters
Leather or Nylon Halters
Checking the Fit of the Halter
Staying Laterally Centered
Longitudinal Centering During Transitions

Chapter 7 Negotiating Simple Ground Movements
Achieving Cooperation Through Communication
Moving The Horse's Hindquarters
Moving The Horse's Forehand
Moving the Horse Backward

Chapter 8 Gaining Respect and Becoming the Leader
The Leadership Position
Dealing with Resistance
Starting and Stopping
Turning
When the Horse Wants to Take Over
Using The Stick for Gentle Persuasion

Chapter 9 Expanding Your Ground Skills
Leading the Horse Into the Stall
Bringing the Horse Out of the Stall
Cleaning the Horse's Feet
Tacking Up the Horse With the Bareback Pad

Chapter 10 The Gentle Riding Aids
Understanding and Applying Intent
Using Your Eyes
Moving Your Center
Using Your Seat
Managing Your Weight
Using the Stick While Riding
Eliminating the Need for Aggression

Chapter 11 Handling the Reins and Preparing to Ride Solo
Picking Up the Reins
Lengthening the Reins
Shortening the Reins
Using the Grounding Strap and Stick with the Reins
The Sitting Trot or Jog
A Taste of Freedom

Chapter 12 Introduction to Riding In the Saddle
Preparing for Saddle Work
Mounting the Saddled Horse
Tightening the Girth While Mounted in the English Saddle
Dismounting From the Saddled Horse
Getting Comfortable
Your First Ride in the Saddle

Chapter 13 Saddling Up and Starting With Stirrups
Putting On the Saddle
Starting With the Stirrups
The n Position
The A Position
The Full Seat Forward Position
Sitting the Trot In the Saddle

Chapter 14 Half-Seat Positions and Preparing for Faster Gaits
Staying Grounded in the Half Seat
Working From the Hip Joint
Using the Grounding Strap in the Half Seat
Three-Quarter Seat Position
Half-Seat Open Position
Half-Seat Closed Position

Chapter 15 Bits, Bridling, and Introduction to Using the Reins
Putting On the Bridle
Using Hand Effects and Rein Effects to Communicate
The Active Hand
Introduction to the Leading Rein (English or Western Snaffle)
Introduction to Neck Reining (Western Curb)
Slowing or Stopping Using Direct Reins of Opposition (English or Western Snaffle)
Stopping Using Direct Reins of Opposition (Western)

Chapter 16 Perfect Posting
Finding Posting Rhythm on the Bareback Pad
Posting in the Stirrups
Understanding Diagonals

Chapter 17 Cantering (Loping) and Galloping (Running)
Preparing to Canter
Bareback Cantering to the Left
Bareback Cantering to the Right
Cantering or Loping in the Saddle
Cantering in Half-Seat Position
Galloping or Running

Chapter 18 Leg Aids and Advanced Hand and Rein Effects
The Soft Leg
The Passive Hand
The Holding Hand
The Fixed Hand
Combing the Rein
The Taking Hand
Types and Applications of Leading Reins and Reins of Opposition
Developing Effective Aids.

Chapter 19 Handling Hills With Confidence
Riding Uphill In an English Saddle
Riding Downhill In an English Saddle
Polishing Your Skills
Handling Hills in a Western Or Other Deep-Seated Saddle
Putting Your Skills to Good Use

Chapter 20 Jumping Made Easy
Phases of the Jump
Staying Centered During the Jump
Teaching Your Body to Ride the Jump
Trusting the Horse
Giving the Horse His Head
Jumping Courses
Refusals and Runouts
Jumping for Western Riders

Conclusion
The Horse Already Knows What to Do
Break It Down
Use Punishment Sparingly and Correctly
Love, Trust, and Respect Your Horse

Glossary
Appendixes
Index
About the Author