Gincy Self Bucklin

Self has some interesting theories on teaching riding. While I don't completely agree with all of them, the information she presents is safe and horse-friendly. 'Gentle Art' is definitely targeted towards beginning riders, and is ideally suited to those that want to ride but are a little fearful. Lots of detail (eg, an entire chapter on how to set the saddle on your horse and adjust your stirrups) may seem like overkill to the more advanced riders, but timid beginners will undoubtedly appreciate everything being spelled out. There are lots of unmounted exercises and activities to strengthen muscle memory and balance when you can't actually ride. The photos and diagrams illustrate the concepts well, and there is an online appendix for more information. I look forward to introducing some of the unmounted exercises into my own students' warm-ups.… (mais)

I grew up around horses so I have a very good working knowledge of them. However, I have started volunteering at an organization that uses hippotherapy (horses) as a therapeutic venue. There are riders of all ages, with all sorts of challenges, and they ride using both disciplines. This book is a God-send, because it has helped me translate into simple terms the concepts that these riders need to employ while they are learning. This is a very well-thought out and well executed book! I love the loads of color pictures that illustrate the concept at hand. It is also extremely comprehensive and encourages the rider to work with the horse- not against him- while paying attention to what is going on in the rider's body. Of all the many riding books I have collected and used over the years, this is my new favorite!! A must-have in any rider's library!!… (mais)

Excellent book for horse riding beginners and is easy to read. The book covers both English and Western riding (hence the cover) and starts with chapter one on riding attire and finding the right instructor and ends with chapter twenty on jumping; with everything in between on grooming, how to put on a rope or nylon or leather halter, mounting, topics on riding include starting, stopping, turning, handling the reins, a whole chapter on riding in the saddle, stirrups, riding for faster gaits, bits and bridles, cantering and galloping, and riding up hill. The books includes many illustrations and pictures. This book is also very detail on exercises the rider should do. The "about the author" page states that she has been teaching riding for more than 60 years and does use examples of her experiences, as well as, stories other have told her in the book.… (mais)