Product Description
Illustrated with black-and-white photographs from The Games of the XVIth Olympiad (Melbourne, Australia, November 22 to December 8, 1956); VIIth Olympic Winter Games (Cortina, Italy, January 26 to February 5, 1956); The Equestrian Games of the XVIth Olympiad (Stockholm, Sweden, June 10 to June 17, 1956); and 2nd Pan-American Games (Mexico City, Mexico, March 12 to March 26, 1955). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Volleyball Pioneers
My copy arrived in record time. A little TLC took care of the soiled cover. The pages were in good shape. It also included a record of the 1955 Pan American Games. The Olympic Committee wanted to see if Volleyball could draw a crowd. Volleyball tickets sold out before teams arrived and thousands were turned away because the gym could only squeeze in about 5,000. Volleyball has been included in the Olympics ever since. I guess that makes the USA Women's and Men's team Pioneers in Volleyball!I was a member of our USA women's team and just recently learned the book existed! Thanks for making it possible to get my copy.

1956 United States Olympic Book
Priceless for the participants, and Olympic memorabilia collectors.Captures the '55 PanAm Games - Mexico City, '56 Summer Games - Melbourne, '56 Winter Games - Cortina, '56 Equestrian Games - Stockholm.

Scotty Bailess ('55 PanAm Games-women's volleyball) will be delighted when she receives her copy.
... Read more

Product Description
A self-portrait of an international rider, and an insight into the pressures on international three-day eventers to split their time between their personal and professional lives. It includes Mark Todd's career statistics, accounts of the two Olympic campaigns and cameos of some of his top rides, including Charisma, Southern Comfort and Bertie Blunt. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

From the Horse's Mouth
So Far, So Good is a superb read.It is the autobiography of Mark Todd, New Zealand's equestrian icon, and international event rider of the century.

It is fascinating to read of his early life in New Zealand, andof the sheer hard work and detirmination of his early years on theinternational three-day eventing scene.

This book also reflects the earlyyears of New Zealand eventing, as Todd and his contemporaries were theforefront of a wave of New Zealanders who have since dominated theinternational circuit for over a decade.

Todd has a relaxed 'one-to-one'writing style, and is not afraid to state his opinions.I enjoyed thisaspect of So Far So Good the most, as it is rare for riders who are stillinvolved in the sport to make their opinions known so widely, for fear ofcontroversy.Not that Todd is in any way vindictive or spiteful, merelythat he writes about the way he sees things, without fear ofoffence.

Readers do not need to be involved in Equestrian sport to enjoythis book, as Todd is an inspiration to any person who wants to be inspiredto succeed in their field, whilst still retain their values and sense ofplace. ... Read more

Product Description
Olympic medalist Debbie McDonald and her fabulous partner, Brentina, have thrilled crowds the world over with their stunning performances.In her new book, Riding Through, Debbie describes her system for success in dressage and relates her life story:"There is more than one reason that I call this book Riding Through. Ofcourse, first and foremost, riding through is a dressage term, something youstrive for as you attempt to get your horse on the aids and movingback-to-front. You have achieved it when everything the two of you dotogether is one fluid motion, the ultimate of coordination and expression,in which the horse is maximizing his assets. It's all about harmony andcorrectness, summing up the meaning of dressage in a single short phrase.But "riding through" has other meanings for me as well. I've learned to ridethrough hard times, on and off a horse, when I thought about giving up. Weall have to learn about riding through, because that's the only way we willarrive at our destination, whatever it may be."Even if passage and piaffe aren't your ambition, or you don't want tocompete in dressage at any level, the good basic riding skills involved inlearning this discipline will help you in whatever you want to do withhorses--whether it's improving adjustability for jumping or just having a more pleasurable trail ride. And the challenges will keep you interested while you explore the very special connection that develops between human and horse when you're doing meaningful work together. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Good book
I really enjoyed how Debbie's autobiography is woven into the instructional info.Definitely not a book for novice riders though.Some of the later chapters were a real stretch for me to understand as I have only been on my dressage journey for about 2 years.

Great read!!!
This was a great read!The combination of anecdotal stories and instruction was wonderful.Fun AND learning ... what could be better!

Well written
Very well done, loved this book! She mixes her personal story in with "how to" type writing. Very informative. She is awesome. Great book.

Debbie McDonald Riding Through
If you are entering the Dressage world... this book is a "must read".She gives you tips to work towards and tips on things to avoid.The writing style is like a conversation with the reader.

Carla

Wonderful read
There are plenty of dry technical dressage books available and this is not one of them.I love reading biographies of top riders and was attracted to this book because it sounded more biographical in nature and was not disappointed.Debbie shares her journey into dressage and through her experiences competing in the World Equestrian Games and the Olympics.She speaks about her horses with compassion.As someone who has been involved with horses and dressage in particular for nearly 30 years, I like that there is emphasis on praising the horse when they do what we ask.The layout of the book, with the 'check boxes', the way sections are highlighted and the photographs make all the instructions easy to understand.She gives good advice about how to ride a test, and how to corrct training problems by sorting out the basics.Want to teach your horse to passage?She covers that too.I think the book would suit someone just starting in the sport, or someone looking to move up. ... Read more

Product Description
Horses have played a vital role in the history of mankind. They have served several purposes from transportation to heavy cavalry. Nowadays due to the development of technology horses are no longer used anymore. They can be mostly found working for humans in ranches, farms, circuses and driving carriages for amusement rides. Although horses are not as vital as they were back in the days the tradition of riding them did not falter. Equestrians were regarded as nobles in Rome who are members of the cavalry. Nowadays they are riders who participate in a number of equestrian sports....

Download "A Guide ToEquestrian" Now! ... Read more

Product Description
Double Take is for young horse-lovers, biography fans, or simply anyone who loves an inspiring story.

From an early age, Canadian equestrian Karen Brain is determined to someday compete in the Olympics. Her first riding lessons aren't terribly encouraging, but Karen is determined. Soon jumping over obstacles becomes her specialty literally and figuratively, as she struggles to get her own mount, the coaching she needs, and the funds to achieve her goals.Winning isn't a problem, though. Karen's hard work puts her at the top again and again. And then, one day, she falls. Her spine is shattered, and her doctors tell her she might never walk again, much less ride a horse. And jumping? Impossible.

Well, obstacles are this rider's specialty. How much so readers will discover as they follow her challenging but ultimately triumphant course from hospital bed to Paralympic medal podium.

The story is expertly guided by the capable hands of Nikki Tate, author of many popular horse novels for young readers. Tate's characteristically energetic prose plus many photos from the Brain family's own collection beautifully convey Karen Brain's zeal for her beloved horses and the work of riding them; her generous gratitude for the support of friends, family, and coaches; her joy and infectious enthusiasm; and, above all, her indomitable spirit. ... Read more

Product Description
Competing at the Olympic Games is the dream of many thousands of event riders the world over, but becomes reality for only a talented few. Being selected for the Olympic three-day event team is the culmination of many years of training and commitment to a sport which so completely tests horse and rider. The author of this book reveals what goes on behind the scenes of this competitive world, from buying a potential Olympic champion through to the design of an Olympic cross-country course. In doing so she draws upon the experience of a list of international names in the world of eventing, including Sam Barr, Karen Dixon, Elaine Straker, Ginny Elliot and her back-up team Heather Holgate and Dot Willis. There is advice on dressage training from Mary Thomson and Mary Gordon-Watson, and Andrew Nicholson and Richard Meade divulge the secrets of cross-country competitions. Mark Todd and Matt Ryan make contributions on the often unpredictable showjumping events. There is an examination of team selection and training, and a close-up look at Olympic course design. ... Read more

Product Description
From the backyard horses of their childhood, to the years of struggle as they worked their way to the top of one of the most demanding of horse sports, "Life in the Galloping Lane" is the story of how eventers Karen and David O’Connor, winners of five Olympic medals between them, got their start. How they handled the highs and lows and the horses who shared their adventures, as well as insights into the O’Connor’s' lives and training techniques makes this a fascinating and inspirational story. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Book Worth Reading
I went into this book with Mary's May 2nd review on my mind. While I can see her point, I was able to get past the holier than thou/humble part. This might be due to the fact that I was expecting it?? Anyway, I loved the book. Besides being an interesting read (and getting to ride all the fences and meet the who's who of the horse world through the O'Connors),It comforted me in the fact that I am not the only one who has experienced catasrophies in the horse world. I am grateful that the O'Connors shared the good stories along with the bad, and I am positive that their heart was in the right place in trying to share their experiences with the rest of us. They have truly earned their place in the horse world. Buy the book.

An Engaging Book
I read this book when it was first published, and I didn't post a review then, but I feel compelled to do so now, in response to the negative review from May 2, 2006.

Yes, okay, this isn't a great book. It's very much an "as told to" kind of effort. But it isn't a bad read, and I didn't get the sense at all that the O'Connors are talking down to the reader. Just the opposite, in fact. Perhaps it depends on where you're coming from. I still consider myself something of a new rider (I started in my 40s), and I get a lot of inspiration from the O'Connors. Maybe if you're a three- or four-star eventer, you'll find this book a yawn, but I thought it was interesting, and I knew quite a bit about the O'Connors before I bought it. So there!

Happy reading--and riding!

an amazing couple made dull through writing
This book reads like a series of junior high "who is your hero" essays. Karen and David are an incredible duo and a force in the equestrian world, but their story would have been better told by a biographer. The writing is peppered with "i was like:" and unexplained comments tossed out about the O'Connor family, and generally runs in a: this happened, and then this happened, and then this happened etc. The authors come off as simultaniously humble and holier-than-thou. All in all, this book is very awkward to read and makes it difficult to care for the couple with their constant talk about how it is their duty to associate with us mere mortals who look up to them. As if, in their attempts to be more accessible, they only place themselves further away. For a much more engaging read, i recommend "In Service to the Horse", of which the O'Connors are major players in the cast, and far more interesting than in this attempt.

Life in the Galloping Lane
I thought this book was awesome! It started out at the age of 11 for both Karen and David. David and his Mother and Brother went on a trip across the world when he was 11, on horseback! They traveled with sleeping bags and food along the way they stop at people homes. Most people insisted that they stay inside but they preferred the barn. Along the way David and his mom's horses went lame and two owners of horse let them use their while they housed the lame ones and sent them back when the trip was over! David states that ways the turning point in his career because he really got to know horses! When Karen turned 11 her parents bought her first horse. Many people would refer to it as a push button pony because it did everything she had asked it to. So as she rode different ponies it became a challenge for her. Later Karen and David met each other at horse shows. They begin to date later on. One show Karen had a bad day and did not do very well and they decided to break up. They both continued to show horses and saw each other at shows but did not talk to each other. When they were on the Olympic team training in England the started dating. Laterthey were at a party in Ireland and one of there friends also named Karen stood up and said now would be the perfect time to celebrate the engagement Karen Lende and David O'Connor.(At the time they were not engaged yet)So David ask Karen to marry him she said I will think about it. So David went to another lady there and took her hand and Karen said yes. Now they are married and Both Olympian horseback riders.They have done many things to make there barn sucssful both of there staff work for them and made them into a tema called the OCET O'Connor equestrian team. They treat all there staff as a team instead of there workers. This was one of there main goals when they got married for there barn to be successful and everyone to get along and they have worked very hard to accomplish it.


BY EMILY ... Read more

Product Description
Kyra Kyrklund, one of the world's most talented dressage riders, explains the unique system of training that has brought her repeated success. In this long-awaited book, Olympian Kyra Kyrklund clearly explains the logical, systematic training methods that have brought her success, showing how they can be applied to all horses--young or old, green or experienced. She begins with the fundamentals of dressage, emphasizing two-way communication between horse and rider. Following a solid foundation in the basics, she then explains how to progress to more advanced training: lateral work, counter canter, flying changes, greater collection, pirouettes, piaffe, and passage. Kyra Kyrklund has trained more than ten horses to Grand Prix and has ridden in five successive Olympic Games. Currently chief trainer at the Swedish National Stud, she makes regular trips to the U.S. to teach. Jytte Lemkow is an international dressage judge, equestrian journalist, and photographer. 160 pp 7 1/2 x 10 55 color & 7 b/w photos, line drawings ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Core book for your riding collection
This was recomened by my Instuctor.I have always enjoyed articles about her clinics and demostations,I'm also a Show jump rider so the princles are not the dutch fashionable ones. Well written good photos.

Thoughtful Personal Dressage Training
Kyra is a well respected and admired champion international dressage trainer and competitor.Her admiration of horses comes through in this book, while still being very technical.Kyra talks not only about how to train dressage horses, but why we train them in certain ways.

Kyra goes into a lot of detail about the aids she uses while riding.I like this personal perspective.She also addresses how she prefers to start teaching the most advanced movement, piaffe, showing in hand work.Very nice.

Towards the end of the book, Kyra talks about dressage training vs competition, including mental preparation for competition.This, for me, was a pivotal chapter, changing how I personally approach dressage competitions.

This is a thoughtfully written book and easy to read. I think dressage trainers and riders will truly enjoy it.

Well worth buying
Clear explanations and illustrations.Step by step guide to communicating with your horse.Very educational.A great reference book for anyone into dressage!

OUTSTANDING!
This book by Kyra and Jytte Lemkow (International Dressage Judge, journalist and photographer) is one of the more impressive contemporary books on Classical riding, and one from which the reader will definitely benefit. Worth every penny of its price.
The last chapter alone, on "mental training", preparing yourself psychologically to go into the ring and compete, will improve your scores.
Kyra has a clear and simple riding system, but she stresses that every horse is an individual, and you have to adapt training protocols to fit the unique personalities and body types.She talks about a respectful partnership, and how the horse must work with joy and not anxiety, and of the dangers of "desensitizing" the horse with too many demands or signals at the same time.The overriding message of this book is to keep the horse's front end free so he can find his own balance without a "blocking hand" as he is developing, and not to force the horse to work in a fixed frame too soon.
This book also has concise step-by-step diagrams of exercises for training the horse in canter, counter canter, change of leg, half pass, zigzag, etc., and also valuable exercises to check if the horse is reacting correctly to the rider's aids.
I found it amazing to see in the photos that Kyra's horse will perform a piaffe in hand by being stroked gently on the neck with the whip. Also apparent in the photos is the connection and trust between Kyra and her horses that can only be achieved by sensitivity and kindness.

dressage wtih Kyra
after reading this book from the Library and being only one copy it was wonderfull to purchase one for myself at such a reasonable cost, it is a great book and I only wish that I had of purchased it several years ago, now I have it to read and re-read when ever I feel the need to train my horse.

Kim ... Read more