Equitation Science together with classical riding is today probably the most humane, effective, and practical way of training and enjoying the horse, competitive or not. To avoid getting involved is to accede to the status quo. Our horses deserve better. ~Sharon E. Cregier, Ph.D., FIASH (Hon., Edin.), founding member of Equine Behaviour Forum In precise, practical language, Fine Riding describes how to blend the principles of classical riding with the modern findings of Equitation Science, demonstrating how to put the principles into practice when training and riding horses. The book encompasses the author's lifelong background in authentic classical riding and a 17-year study and practice of Equitation Science. It presents the best of the old with the best of the new, resulting in a unique and rational blend of principles, clearly explained, that enables and encourages readers to train, ride and care for their horses truly effectively and humanely. Applicable to riding of all schools of thought, from hacking to racing, including jumping, McBane's method is more than simply another ‘system’ of riding. It applies the results of rigorous scientific studies to the historical, classical training and riding of horses in an ethical, humane and effective way, explaining the principles in such a way that readers will feel able to put it into effect themselves. This book will encourage horse owners to serve their horses with renewed understanding and commitment.

Whether it be dressage, showjumping, eventing or hobby riding, our common goal is to enjoy riding, treat our horses well and reach personal goals. To demonstrate how highly successful competitive sport can indeed go hand in hand with a close-to-nature, horse-friendly way of caring for and looking after horses, we provide insights into the personal training and stable management concepts of Uta Graef. The authors will show everything that goes into this approach, including, for example, the structure of training, supporting horses in a way which respects their age, as well as general care and behaviour around horses. But you as a rider are also very important! How can you change your attitude towards horses in a positive way? How can you maintain your pleasure in riding or, if lost, win it back? How can it be possible to ride with less stress in future? The stable culture and the way classes and lessons are structured also play an important role in ensuring you enjoy your riding. The authors will show what influences each and every rider can optimise in order to reach the goal of fine riding on motivated horses. The book will encourage you to follow a horse-friendly path towards personal success, adhering to the principles of classical training and, step by step, working up towards your personal goals. This does not necessarily have to be competitive success, but it could also simply be the desire for fine riding on motivated horses. Therefore, the authors of this book wish to emphasise what kind of thought processes and which principles are particularly suitable for a positive influence on fine riding, rather than just listing training movements and the requirements at different levels. It is not a classical textbook, but rather a helpful and pleasant read with many 'behind the scenes' insights for riders of all disciplines and of all levels.

Widely known for her innovative teaching philosophy stressing body awareness, the value of "soft eyes," proper breathing, centering, and balance, Sally Swift has been a pioneering riding instructor for half a century. In book form for the first time, her methods enable horse and rider to achieve harmony, working together naturally, without pain. Unlike traditional teachers, Sally Swift does not believe in forced training techniques that cause stiff bodies and tense riding. Instead, through the use of vivid, unusual, and highly creative images that transcend mechanics ("Pretend you're a spruce tree; the roots grow down from your center as the trunk grows up"), plus a thorough knowledge of human and equine anatomy, this wise and inspiring teacher enables the conscientious equestrian to reassess habitual responses, in order to ride in natural positions, break through frustrating plateaus, and achieve ever-rising goals with comfort, vitality, and precision. Precise illustrations and photographs never before used in riding books explain anatomy and image work to give mind and body new and relaxed approaches to the inner process of riding. Centered Riding is for those with little experience all the way up to world class.

After three years of traipsing across Europe with her lovesick, widowed mother, Nell Bray has finally found her way to Oxford University. There she has befriended the beautiful Imogen and the charming Midge. When the three girls decide to accept an invitation by their male classmates to join a reading party in the country during vacation - accompanied by a dashing philosophy don with a reputation for stirring up trouble - they go against what is quickly becoming the obsolete conventions of the nineteenth-century. Once they arrive in the country, they are greeted by the unpleasant fact that their host has been accused of murder when a local boy is missing. Rather than return home, however, the six students and their mentor decide to put down their books and put their intellectual prowess to the test by solving the mystery. This combination of mystery and learning - with some college crushes and loves along the way - makes Dead Man Riding Gillian Linscott's best mystery to date.

A reissue of Pam Munoz Ryan's bestselling backlist with a distinctive new author treatment.In this fast-paced, courageous, and inspiring story, readers adventure with Charlotte Parkhurst as she first finds work as a stable hand, becomes a famous stage-coach driver (performing brave feats and outwitting bandits), finds love as a woman but later resumes her identity as a man after the loss of a baby and the tragic death of her husband, and ultimately settles out west on the farm she'd dreamed of having since childhood. It wasn't until after her death that anyone discovered she was a woman.