Customer Reviews (1)

lots of top riders
Based on in-depth interviews with:Pierre Durand, John Whitaker, Michael Witaker, David Broome, Liz Edgar, Nick Skelton, Paul Schockemohle, Frankie Sloothaak, Dirk Hafemeister, Ludgar Beerbahm, Ian Miller, Conrad Homfeld, Joe Fargis, Leslie Burr Lenehan, Katie Monahan Prudent, Anne Kursinski, Greg Best, and Michael Matz. ... Read more

Product Description
Anne Kursinski has been an outstanding  international competitor for almost two decades, winning  such coveted awards as the American Gold Cup, the  Grands Prix of Aachen and Rome, the Pan American  Games Individual Gold Medal, and an Olympic silver  medal at Seoul, to name only a few. Today, Anne  Kursinski is one of the most admired -- and most  successful -- riders in the world.

In recent  years, while continuing to compete at the highest  levels, she has also become one of the most  sought-after instructors and clinicians in America. Now  at last, this breakthrough book lays out in words  and pictures the key elements of her riding  techniques so that they can be studied and applied by  any determined rider. Of special interest are Anne's  secrets of analyzing jumper courses, and her  strategies for riding them. Whether they aspire to ride  hunters or jumpers or to compete in horsemanship  over fences, Anne Kursinski's Riding And  Jumping Clinic will improve readers'  chances of success as it takes them, step-by-step, all  the way from basic flatwork and dressage through  jumping at every level. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Great Resource
I bought this book many years ago as a beginner/intermediate rider, and still refer back to it as an advanced rider. Why? This book is excellent at instilling the elements of riding; it provides the tools for maintaining a good foundation in basic skills and how to apply them to more complicated tasks/situations. There is a logical progression of exercises, encouraging the rider to be conscious of their skill level, as well as that of the horse, and identify exercises that will advance both as a team. It is well organized/photographed and easy to reference; it can supplement lessons from a competent trainer and may provide clarity after a lesson where you 'just did not get what they were saying,' or be an inspiration/tool kit on practice ride days when you want to develop a skill/remedy a trouble area. The author encourages to ride with a purpose while maintaining a positive, respectful relationship with the horse.

I Prefer George Morris
I bought this book at the same time as "Hunter Seat Equitation" by George Morris. I much prefered Morris' style of presenting information and have been able to incorporate pieces of it much faster. Kursinski's approach to this book, essentially telling the reader to tell his or her instructor what to do, did not work well with me. Try telling a "lead mare" what to do in her own barn! From personal experience telling your trainer that a book determined your training program is not a bright thing to do. Maybe a self-taught rider would have more luck with this book than a person in riding lessons.

Anne Kursinski not only can ride but write too!
Anne Kursinski has been my hero since her 1988 Silver Medal win on "Starman" during the Olympics.She has a beautiful style and presence to her riding.I purchased this book on Amazon and have thoroughly enjoyed reading it.It's very easy to understand for the beginner rider on up!I recommend this book to all of my riding students.A must have for sure!I'll even read it again!

An Intermediate Rider's Bible
This book exceeded my expectations.As an intermediate rider, the combination of multiple illustrations and accompaning technical commentary is instrumental.This book covers basic flat work and jumping and makes the "upward transition" to advanced work.Anne Kursinski's written style uses common sense and visual imagery.After reading each chapter, I couldn't wait to try out her techniques on my horse.

If you want to become more connected with your horse through feel and athletic ability, this book will work for you.

Anne teaches you to communicate with your horse physically and emotionally.A combination that is essential but understated.

Excellent resource
This book is a great resource for any serious rider who wants to improve their skills.I was able to not only use Anne's theories in my own riding but also apply them to my students.She explains everything in a very straight forward manner with lots of illustrations for the many exercises she gives.Since I live in an area where the closest jumper trainer is almost 2 hours away, this was a great way to get new ideas to tackle problems and master the basics.Highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to better themselves as a rider. ... Read more

Product Description
Here is a beautiful coffee-table book celebrating thesport of competitive show jumping.

A show jumping arena is a a place of color, atmosphere, and spectacle,where competition between the world's top horse and rider partnershipsis tough and only the very best reap the rewards. Elizabeth Furth hasselected a dramatic collection of images that reflect the mood, theathleticism, and the ceremony in show jumping today, with a uniquelook at the often-neglected subject of course design.

Featuring a wealth of action photography from every internation showground that has hosted championship and Olympic events, VISIONS OFSHOW JUMPING captures the sport from every angle, from preparation topresentation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Visions of Show Jumping
A beautifully composed coffee table book. It has great pictures withexciting subjects. Though it provides minimal information for technique, itis a fun book to have around.

Lovely book capturing the essence of show jumping
Big, excellent quality photographs capture the spirit and beauty of showjumping. I also enjoyed what Elithabeth Furth, the photographer, had to say about them, as well as the comments from the top notch riders pictured.Contrary to what you might imagine, it is a very interesting book, not onlyto look at, but also to read. I find it a very motivating and inspiringbook, I am in love with show jumping, and its wonderful to see the emotionof the sports captured so well (not an easy task!), and to know the rider'sfeelings towards the moments, the competitions, their horses. As ElithabethFurth puts it: photographs capture spectacular moments of competition andimmortalize them on film. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (4)

Classic
This book is a classic. Everyone who is serious about their riding and/or has aspirations should own it.

Excellent book for any rider
After nearly 20 years off from riding, I am back into it with a challenging horse.I have perused many books - from Dummy and KISS guides to dressage handbooks and nearly everything by Cherry Hill.This book by Steinkraus has, by far, influenced and helped my riding the most.The finer points of riding are discussed and explained; you do not need to be a grand prix cometitor, or even a jumper, to get value from this book.

An example: I used to ride Western, and my horse's trot is too large for me to sit.I had to switch to English and learn to post, and did not get a handle on it until I read this book and understood the dynamics and what I was doing wrong.He explains why the nuances of where each section of your body and aids change the way you ride, and photos accompany explanations.

I also appreciate his attitude toward the horse.He covers what a ride should consist of, in terms of how much to expect from yourself and your horse, and how to praise, etc.

I am not currently jumping, unless we have an obstacle on trails.My focus is endurance, and I can say this book is at the top of my list for the heart of basic riding technique.

AN INTUITIVE RIDER WHO THINKS
Mr. Steinkraus is an extraordinary person. An Olympic athlete. A winning hunter-jumper rider. A horse trainer (do we actually train horses, or do we just learn to get along with them?). A wonderfully gifted, natural writer. A great spokesperson for equestrianism. A gentleman scholar. If you like to ride -- for pleasure, or competition, or to learn about yourself -- this is an extraordinarily useful book. It is not about riding instruction; yet I think you will learn extraordinary things. It is not about hunter-jumper equitation, yet few people (Mr. Morris included) have looked better, or more natural, over oxers and obstacles of all kinds. It is not about horsemanship, yet Mr. Steinkraus knows horses, and feels horses, and has the ability to share this wonderful feeling-in-the-fingertips for the horse in every chapter of his book. You should not read this book to "learn", or "absorb", or "improve your skills". You should read this book for what it offers: the chance to sit with a sensitive, feeling, thoughtful, and intuitive person who is fascinated by the relationship between a rider and a horse; and who can share his thoughts and ideas in a simple, entertaining, and engaging way. As an author, Mr. Steinkraus is enormously candid and self-effacing. Few riders today can ever hope to achieve what he did, at the top of his form, in the 1950s and 60s. But those achievements really don't matter to us, in the context of his book. What matters to us are his ideas, his insights, and the ways he expresses them for those of us in search of better understanding, better connection, and a greater communion with this amazing animal, the horse, that absorbs so much of our time and attention. If you read this book as I did, I promise you will never obsess about your riding style, or set objectives in a compulsive and manipulative way. You will, however, approach your horse, and your session, and the task at hand, or the day in the field, in a fresh, clear frame of mind that lets you relax, think through the work you have planned, and go about it in a thoughtful, contemplative, and enjoyable way. If you can find the zone that Mr. Steinkraus found, you will be relaxed, in tune with your horse, and enormously receptive to the magic that comes your way. In my riding career, I played polo and rode to hounds. I was never a competitive equestrian. But thinking about myself, and my horse, and what I was there to do, in an intuitive way, thanks to Mr. Steinkraus, made me feel better, enjoy it more, and actually, be a little better at it. It certainly allowed me to have a lot more fun, which is why I highly recommend this book to you. If you read it, I know you will enjoy it, and I know you will tell your riding friends about it. (By the way, if you would like to see Mr. Steinkraus as a groom, believe it or not, look for an excellent book about horsemanship, written with great clarity, by his sister, M.A. Stoneridge. If I am not mistaken, Mr. Steinkraus posed for the pictures in her book.) In every way, Reflections on Riding and Jumping by William Steinkraus is a library must. I am excited that it is still in print.

Very useful learning "tool"
I found this book both interesting and enriching. Its clear and concise and easy to apply in practice. Also it is evident that it was written by an experienced and talented rider as is William Steinkrauss. I have read thisbook about a year ago and find some things I've read have stayed with meever since. It is a book to learn a lot about serious, proven techniquesand conciously know which areas of your riding need improvement. It alsohas very helpful images to understand the text. I recommend it to showjumpers especially. Take the time to think about this reading and put it inpractice, its worthwhile. ... Read more

Product Description
The Saddle Club is going to the horse show! So is Veronica deAngelo, and she is already deciding where to display her next blue ribbon. But she may be in for a shock. The Saddle Club has a secret weapon: Samson the natural-born jumper. He and Lisa Atwood may just steal the show. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

lisa in the spotlight
This book is told mostly from Lisa's viewpoint. She is going to ride Samson in her first A-rated show, and she is understandably nervous. She further loses confidence when she discovers that some of the competitors are spoiled brats and her mother buys her an inappropriate show coat which causes gossip. Although I felt that the other riders at the show were caricatured, the author did a good job of capturing the show atmosphere. Lisa doesn't win, but in the eyes of her friends and those who know her, she is a winner.

GREAT BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!
This book is my favorite out of the Saddle Club books. Lisa is getting ready for a huge horse show and you can feel the excitment. VERY VERY VERY GOOD BOOK!!!!!!!!!!

A Rich and Funny Read, Show Jumper
Do you like horses? Do you like to use your imagination? Well, if you do, you might want to try reading Show Jumper, by Bonnie Bryant.
The story is about a thirteen year-old girl named Lisaand her two best friends, Carole and Stevie. They are all going to a big, prestigious horse show. Lisa makes a mistake that deteriorates her confidence. Her friends try to comfort her, but nothing seems to be working. Lisa has been working for months with her wonderful horse for this moment, but something happens that might let it all go down the drain.
I would recommend this book to anybody who likes horses. It is a very easy book for the reader to relate to. It is not that long, but Mrs. Bryant's descriptions make this novel "a movie on paper."

Great Book
I am a huge fan of The Saddle Club... and I have to say that this book was one of the best! I loved all the excitement of the show... you could almost feel it. Veronica (My favorite!), Margie, and her friends really add alot of color to this book, and give it a real sense of competition! Overall this is a wonderful book! If you like horse shows... you will love this book!

Stop picking on Lisa
First of all this book is awesome! If you haven't read this book you should because there is a ton of action and excitment! For those of you who are picking on Lisa I would like to say that Lisa wasn't acting stupid! She was nerviouse and wouldn't you be too if you were compeeting in that show? She was also mad and wouldn't you be mad if everyone was paying attention to your horse but not caring about you or think that you are a good rider? All the people did was think that Samson did everything and I think that lisa has a right to be Nerviouse and Mad! ... Read more

Product Description
A superb instructional manual for schooling jumpers and riders, featuring 30 step-by-step gridwork exercises.

Any jumping problem can be vastly improved—if not solved—by the methodical use of gridwork. A "grid" is a series of obstacles used to develop a horse’s gymnastic athleticism. In this book, the author introduces the basic concepts of gridwork, describing how it can help both the novice horse and rider gain confidence. Mailer then provides specific exercises for common jumping problems at every level, such as refusing or rushing fences and missing distances. With sections devoted to sharpening the advanced horse for competition, improving jump-off technique, and facing tricky cross-country obstacles, this book is infinitely useful for horses and riders of all abilities and in all jumping disciplines.

An Equestrian Edge Book Club Main Selection ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Shows Real Promblems that we all enconter
Shows various promblems with photos of real riders,not national champions ect, . I ve had this book a while and go to it first when there is a promblem.

Awful.
This book is terrible.It shows bad jumping, heels falling back over the jumps, elbows out to the side like a cowboy, and very unclear directions about setting up gymnastic lines.I am planning on returning it ASAP.In addition to bad content, it is full of typos- major typos.Again- AWFUL.How did this thing get published???

Jumping Problems Solved
This book is excellent for anyone that has a problem with their horse jumping, whether in competition or at home or pony club.It gives detailed information, photos and also grid layout for almost every issue you may ever have with your horse.

Plus there are excellent tips on how to make your jump off fast and accurate - who would not want that in a competition!Winners are grinners.

This book is also a must for any SJ/XC instructor - Highly recommended!

Jenna

Jumping Problems Solved
Absolutely fantastic book.I use grid work with all my horses and this book definitely has the answer to 99% of most problems.Easy format to read and understand, excellent illustrations, A Keeper!I will not lend out this book, it is too important to me! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Learn to do jumpers---- Great book
This is a great book for anyone who (like me) would love to ride in grand prix's some day. It covers everything from lunging your horse over fences to free jumping to learning things like jumper turns and courses all from an experts poing of view. ... Read more

Product Description
As well as being a successful international rider, Tim Stockdale is in great demand as a trainer, both at home and abroad. With well-known equestrian journalist, Judith Draper, the author provides practical and straightforward advice. With photographs and illustrations throughout, this book wil be invaluable not just to young riders but to anyone keen to improve their show jumping. ... Read more

Product Description
Linda Allen has spent more than 35 years in the equestrian industry, training, riding, jumping, competing, and designing courses. In 101 JUMPING EXERCISES FOR HORSE & RIDER, she provides a logical and consistent series of exercises presented in a fun and appealing way, with clear arena maps and straightforward instructions. For each exercise, Linda covers set-up; how to ride the exercise; steps to make the exercise more difficult; what every successful rider should keep in mind while working; when to move on to the next step; and the benefits of the exercise.

This must-have workbook, a sequel to the successful "read-and-ride" 101 Arena Exercises and 101 Horsemanship & Equitation Patterns, stresses safety, skill building, and success for riders of all ages and levels of experience, whether their interest is in show jumping, eventing, hunters, equitation, or just plain having fun with their horses. Designed in the same user-friendly format as the previous books, with a lay-flat comb binding, the book can be hung on the barn wall or draped over a jump standard in the training area so the reader/rider can refer to it from the saddle. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

Fantastic Exercises!!
My trainer recommended this book and I love it.She is a USEF judge and we have been schooling my OT Thoroughbred and a lot of the flat work as well as gymnastics has been really beneficial!

Great Jumping Book
Love this book.It has tons of information on different jumping exercises.It will be a great reference for years and years

indispensable tome for hunters & jumpers
When I first started riding over fences, I was lucky enough to find a trainer who firmly believed in gymnastics. In fact, our lessons were ALWAYS gymnastics, and we only did coursework just before a show. After a long distance move I found a new trainer, who only focused on coursework. Eventually I asked: why no gymnastics? She said "oh, that's the old way of training" Hmm.

I'm a firm believer in gymnastics, they are fun, they are challenging, they keep you engaged and they develop skills like nobody's business. I'm a better rider and a better trainer because of this book.

Awesome excercises for both teachers and riders!
I love this book. I have over 50 Hunter/Jumper students and find this book to be one of the best for problem solving and great lesson ideas!

Great book for "Things to Do"!!
I teach riding and this book really is a help when things could be getting in a old rut.Great layout as well. ... Read more

Product Description
In a book studded with revealing photographs, the legendary author of Hunter Seat Equitation analyzes the American style of show jumping and teaches riders the techniques that set the standard for the world.

B & W photographs and illustrations throughout. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Fabulous review and comparison resource!
This book is my favorite. It is well worth waiting for. If you can get it, read it twice, study the pictures and reap the rewards!George has a way with teaching riding. Do not miss out. click -http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0385410824/mcfarm. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Great Book!
This is a book anyone serious about jumpimg should own!! Can't say enough! Wonderful book! ... Read more

Product Description
Young equestrians dream of galloping toward a fence on their favorite horse and sailing over it in one long, smooth leap. Jumping is one of the most thrilling things a young rider can accomplish on horseback and the ultimate goal of countless horse-crazy kids.

Lesley Ward, editor of Young Rider magazine, interacts with young people and horses every day. She has witnessed the youngsters' enthusiasm for jumping, their courage in the saddle, and their thirst for more knowledge and reliable advice. Responding to hundreds of readers' letters asking for help with jumping problems, Ward covers all the fundamentals of jumping safely and correctly in Jumping for Kids, a guide for children eight and older. Full-color photographs, line illustrations, jumping diagrams, charts, informative sidebars, and a calm, encouraging voice fully engage the child every step of the way — from building strength and confidence riding on the flat to jumping at a show.

A complete learn-to-jump program in a book, Jumping for Kids gives readers plenty of information to study at home, when the day's lessons are over. She coaches frustrated youngsters in working with their horses, guides trainers in problem solving, and even shows enterprising riders how to build their own jumps. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Jumping: safe thrill seeking!
A beautiful book, featuring capitvating photos of kids with their horses and ponies, packed full of easy to read information.

My 4-H club kids pick this up & look through it often! A good basic book to wet the appetite for more knowledge on jumping, the safe thrill seeking! :-)
While you won't learn all you need to know about jumping here, you will get a great over view in a lovely package, worth a read.

Excellent for all ages
I recommend this book to all riders of all ages.Beginners to intermediate experience.For beginners the book will help you will all you need to succeed in jumping.For intermediate riders, this book will help keep you polished on what you know and remind you of the little things.I purchased this for one of my students that is an advanced rider and she loves it.It helped her to understand what I was explaining to her while teaching her horse to jump.I too found it refreshing and easy to read.

Jumping for kids
Great book for kids. I got this for my daughter who didn't know how to jump her horse. The book helped her a lot. Easy to read, has perfect instuctions. Book in new condition. Great buy.

great book
this book is a great refrence and covers all aspects of learning to jump safely. it has lots of great pictures and illustrations and has excercizes and courses you can try at home. you can learn about showing, cross country and even teaching your green horse to jump and solving common issues. a great all around jumping book that is even perfect for teens and adults- not just kids! i strongly reccomend it. ... Read more

Product Description
Saddle up and leap into the pages of this book to read all about show jumping! You'll learn about verticals, oxers, combinations, and other jumps that horses - and their riders - attempt to complete quickly and flawlessly. You'll also discover the breeds and care of show horses, how they train and compete in Olympic and other jumping events, and the history of this challenging equestrian sport. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

A good book...
I can't say anything bad about this book.I bought several to build some jumps for my wife, anything to keep her happy.This book is very detailed if you are a detailed person.I have to admit that I bought "Jumps, etc." by Lisa Campbell and pretty much use that book the most check it out before you buy this one.Again I can't say anything bad about this book, it is very good, maybe too detailed for us simple guys..... ... Read more

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Product Description
Anyone familiar with showing horses will recognize themselves in this book, whether they’re a rider, trainer, judge, or horse show mom. Conveying the appeal, sportsmanship, delight, and competitiveness of the horse show world, author and 30-year horse show veteran Cindy Hale examines why riders ride and celebrates the lessons learned in the arena. Celebrating the thrill of competition that drives all participants, RIDING FOR THE BLUE is not another ‘how-to’ book offering tips competing at horse shows. It is a compilation of the often poignant, frequently humorous moments that riders experience while competing for the prize of all prizes—the blue ribbon. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Great book
This is a great book for anyone who has been in the horse show ring.Riding hunters and jumpers this book took me back to when I was young.It talks about how when you grow up you get interested in boys and the horses get pushed aside.It talks about love for your horses.This book is for all ages it is a great book to put on your shelf.I gave it to my mom and she also enjoyed it.This book made me reminisce and cry and think about all the wonderful times I have had growing up.

Charming anecdotes, beautiful photos...
Cindy does a fabulous job exploring -- and explaining -- the ins and outs (no pun intended) of the horse show world.From western pleasure to hunters, from hard-working to grooms to behind the scenes candids, from saddle seat to dressage, and to the ever present show moms, both the photos and text capture the essence of the joy and passion we share for our horses and our sport.

Wonderful read for horsepeople and non alike.
Really enjoyed this book.Not a "how to" book by any means but rather a heartwarming, insightful collection of stories.Laughed out loud one minute and was weepy the next.A wonderful addition to my collection.

Why Show Horses?Because...
This is a beautiful book, with gorgeous photos and a funny and perceptive text showing why people love horses and why they take their sometimes magnificent, and sometimes not-so-magnificent but loved-just-the-same, beasts out in public to compete against others similarly afflicted with horse show fever.

Cindy Hale's text shows a mastery of words and imagery.More than that, though, her writing shows a true love and understanding of horses, of horse shows, and of why people and horses compete.She examines several disciplines, including hunters, western, dressage, and jumpers.She covers the arc of a horse show career, for both horses and riders, and gives justly due attention to the judges, trainers, grooms, braiders, night watchmen, and horse show moms who all contribute to making showing the unique and addictive experience it is.And, of course, she gives tribute to the horses without whose generosity and cooperation none of it would be possible.

The photographs that accompany the text are sharp, feeling, and insightful.Sharon Fibelkorn not only captures the beauty, spirit, and athleticism of the horses in each discipline, but also the emotions of the people riding and surrounding them.

This is a perfect book for anyone who loves horses and showing, and anyone who loves someone who loves horses and showing and wants to understand the answer to the question, "why on Earth do you put yourself through all that just for a little ribbon?"

At last, a book that explains why we're in the show ring!
Cindy Hale's "Riding for the Blue" - hurray!At last a book which captures the very essence of why we, the horse show lovers, are doing exactly that:showing our horses.Hale's prose, combined with Fibelkorn's photos, at last give us the vehicle with which to explain to our non-horsey friends, families and significant others just why we are doing this in the first place.This book is a must-read for the horse lover, the horse shower; the non-horse person will get just as much enjoyment from it.I highly recommend this book.

Well, what are you waiting for? ... Read more

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