The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship : Intermediate Horsemanship (C Level) (Howell Reference Books)

Rating:
Summary: Very helpful and informative horse manual.
Review: As a begging rider, I was wandering through a local tack shop when I saw the USPCA's Manuals for Horsemanship, D level and C level. I picked up the C level manual and was overwhelmed with the information, so I asked my mom to buy me the D level book. I read the book cover to cover in three days, although I was only ten years old at the time. I was surprised at how much I had been doing wrong (I have a great instructor who doesn't like to overwhelm begginers with directions). Six months later I was capable of completing all the requirments of the D manual, so my mom bought me the C manual. About a year later I joined a local Pony Club, and was very glad that I had read the manuals when I became a D-3 shortly after joining. Three years later, I am still very thankful to Susan E. Harris for writing the manuals. I am now a C-3, and hope to advance to the B level by next spring. I would recommend the manuals to anyone who rides english, however, remember to read them in order, or you will feel as if you are missing information. I have not read the B-A manual yet, but I do think that the C manual is the best of the three for building a sound riding career. P.S. I'm also in 4-H, and have found that Grooming to Win, also by Susan E. Harris, is extremely useful when preparing for Pony Club rallies or inspections, 4-H shows, and just about any other shows. It is also a great guide to daily grooming, trimming, and conditioning of your horse.

Rating:
Summary: Essential book for English-style riders of all ages
Review: Like Susan's first volume, this is a marvelous combination of clear language, straight-forward presentation, and logical organization, topped by many wonderful drawings. Once you've read and digested the "D" volume, go on to this one and continue your equestrian education in the most logical way I've found. I'm a long-time riding instructor, especially for the US Pony Clubs, and recommend this book to riders of any age. I also own about 900 horse books and Susan Harris's Manuals are, by far, the ones I consult most often.