Rating: 
Summary: Absolutely loved this book!
Review: I thought this book was wonderful...full of information and great instruction. I recently joined a gym for the sole purpose (starting out) of getting in shape for riding so I especially liked the fact that Mr. Smith included exercises that would be particularly helpful for better riding. One of the best things about this book, though, was that for a "guide" book, it was very funny; the author's descriptions of the school horses and their personalities and other passages made me laugh out loud. Most importantly, I gained quite a bit a confidence from reading this book...my last lesson was the best I've had since I started training!
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely loved this book!
Review: I thought this book was wonderful...full of information and great instruction. I recently joined a gym for the sole purpose (starting out) of getting in shape for riding so I especially liked the fact that Mr. Smith included exercises that would be particularly helpful for better riding. One of the best things about this book, though, was that for a "guide" book, it was very funny; the author's descriptions of the school horses and their personalities and other passages made me laugh out loud. Most importantly, I gained quite a bit a confidence from reading this book...my last lesson was the best I've had since I started training!
Rating:
Summary: Proved its worth in first chapter!
Review: I'm an adult novice rider and am looking for any short cuts I can find to become a better rider quicker. I've been taking lessons for 5 months and have been improving at good pace. I was having significant issues with the seated trot. I just wasn't getting it. I could post a trot like a pro. Anyway, I read the first chapter and followed the advice and voila, I can now sit a trot. I don't feel like a baffoon anymore!
Rating:
Summary: Clear, direct text and good photos enlighten reader-riders.
Review: Mike Smith has a knack for cutting right to the information that new riders crave, such as: "How do I get on this huge beast?" and "What do I do if my horse runs away?" Both new riders and more experienced equestrians will enjoy his writing. It's almost as good as a trip to the barn. The school horse profiles at the beginning of each chapter helped me relate to each lesson--and they were funny, too. (What horse won't tell it's age?) I highly recommend Mike Smith's book for all riders taking lessons--and their teachers, too.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent-highly recommended
Review: This book gives useful information not found in other titles. It suggests ways to clearly communicate with your instructor, how to select a good lesson horse, practical exercises to improve your riding skills and lots of other helpful advice. It's practical, easy to read and straightforward.
Rating:
Summary: Great book!
Review: This book is easy to read and interesting. It helped me with my riding lessons and I find myself referring to it on a regular basis. It is great for the novice English rider and the pictures are a great help.
Rating:
Summary: Great book!
Review: This book is easy to read and interesting. It helped me with my riding lessons and I find myself referring to it on a regular basis. It is great for the novice English rider and the pictures are a great help.
Rating: 
Summary: Basics of riding clearly explained.
Review: This is a great book for beginning riders and for people who teach them. Common sense, clear and full of answers to questions riders are often afraid to ask. Every chapter one or more school horses get introduced, each with their own quirks and special skills to make the life of a novice rider even harder than it already is. The book explains how to deal with different types of horses and provides clear strategies in 'what if' scenarios.(What if my horse won't move?)What I don't like about the book, though, is that riders wear spurs in the pictures illustrating the novice's first lessons. A novice rider shouldn't even think about needing that kind of stuff!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent, thorough book
Review: This is a great book when you're just starting out, or pre-showing. The author pretends that each chapter is another lesson, even going as far as documenting your 'lesson horse' and his personality. Great progression of skills, and I love the way the author included excercises that riders could preform at home before heading out to the stable.
A great book for all beggining riders.
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