Book to teach basics/position etc

[Purplehorse]

Hello I have just started riding again after many years, and I want to go right back to basics and learn again so that I'm riding properly.

It's really frustrating only having lessons once a week, so I wondered if anyone could recommend a book that would help me with improving my position, learning correct aids, basic horsecare etc. Preferably something not too big either - as I would like to take it on my commute to work every day and would rather not carry round a hardback volume!!

Any ideas welcome! Thank you.

[katieB]

I used to have loads of those thin paperback type books which were brilliant to take to places. There was a particularly good one but I cant remember the name....tried to do a search but cant find it, how about this one;
Riding and Pony care (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0746046006/ref=si_1_5/202-1648499-1778254) if you want something that isnt really technical?

[Chinarider]

I found the book Enlightened Equitation by Heather Moffett really helpful. You can get a taste of her style in the Kinder way section of this site.

I am a returnee to riding too, and wanted to do it properly this time !

[Purplehorse]

Thank you very much for your suggestions!! I'll look into both. It's really annoying as I don't get home from work until after 7pm, so I can only get 1 ride a week (as they only do 1 late night - actually I'm impressed that they do late nights at all!) - and I can't always get that slot every week. So anything I can do at home and on my boring commute is a bonus.

Actually, on that note, are there any good exercises you can do at home to improve your seat etc? I have been riding with my legs too far forward (completely ineffective!) and am trying to correct it, but finding it hard - especially as I can only ride once a week.

Thank you again!x

[eventerbabe]

try enlightened equitation or one of my faves is Balanced Riding by pegotty henriques http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1872119298/qid=1127304979/sr=1-2/ref=sr_1_8_2/202-5106890-5796641
as for exercises at home, try pilates. it works on your core muscle strength. i've noticed an improvement in my position since i took it up :)

[Peace]

I think the best book on position, aids, etc. is still Sally Swift's Centered Riding. It's twenty or thirty something years old now, but it's a classic. :) It doesn't have anything on horse care in it, though.

[wanabe]

I vote for "Horses for Dummies" for general horse information and tacking information.

For actual riding, I really, really liked "Getting the Most from Riding Lessons" by Mike Smith. This is a fun book that starts each chapter as a lesson, with an introduction to the horse you will be riding for the lesson.

[cloang]

Hi Purple Hugs, I visited my local charity shops and managed to find 12 different books about riding and horse care, some were childrens books but actually very helpful - maybe not for commuting tho :o .

Also borrow my daughters pony mag as has a different feature each issue in great detail. :) sneak in when she's asleep :)

happy reading

[Bay Mare]

The BHS books are pretty good for stable management stuff, lots of health and safety etc! Ok, you won't do it exactly like they say unless you're taking exams but they are pretty step by step and easy to understand.

If you have the time why not see if you can help at your yard in exchange for another lesson? I used to do that, got an extra group lesson a week and a stable management lecture. It also means that you get practical experience of yard duties (for when you get your own horse!).