The book includes everything the new rider needs to know, from where to ride and what to wear, to early lessons, hacking out and even competing. Topics covered include: how to behave around horses, with an understanding of their basic nature; mounting - getting on and off; basic position in the saddle and how to hold the reins; how to stop, go and steer; walk, trot (rising/sitting) and canter; the jumping position and polework; how to hold a whip, changing from left to right; the value of lungeing; hacking, opening gates, galloping, road work, coping with traffic; and riding etiquette.

Author Biography

Stephanie Bateman is an experienced equestrian journalist, rider and horse owner. She is the co-author of All About the Appaloosa (J. A. Allen). She lives near Wolverhampton. Stef Eardley is a freelance trainer and dressage rider competing at Grand Prix level. She has a Masters in Equine Science and is a BHSII. She is an associate coach at Hartpury College - one of the biggest equestrian centres in Europe. She is a listed British Dressage trainer and International Para dressage trainer - having trained riders for Great Britain and Hong Kong at many events around the world including Beijing 2008. She lives in Gloucestershire.