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Articles Specifically Written for Riding Instructors

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Books to Consider

Trainer/Rider/Horse Focus:

  • Academic Art of Riding by bent brander – groundwork in hand
  • “Academic Art of Riding” by Bent Branderup
    “Horse Brain Human Brain” by Janet Jones
  • “Complete Training of Horse and Rider” by Alois Podhajsky
  • “Ride With Your Mind” or any of the many books by Mary Wanless 
  • “Centered Riding” books by Sally Swift
  • Pony Club Manuals
  • 4H Manuals
  • “The Principles of Riding” by German Equestrian Federation
  • “Sport Horse Problem Solver” or other books by Eric Smiley
  • The Principles of Training” by Warwick Schiller
  • “There are no problem horses–only problem riders”
  • By Mary Twelveponies
  • “Over, Under, Through: Obstacle Training for Horses: 50 Effective, Step-By-Step Exercises for Every Rider” or other books by Vanessa Bee
  • “55 Corrective Exercises for Horses: Resolving Postural Problems, Improving Movement Patterns, and Preventing Injury” By Jec Aristotle Ballou
  • “Dressage Between the Jumps: The Secret to Improving Your Horse’s Performance Over Fences” By Jane Savoie
  • “101 Arena Exercises for Horse and Rider” or other books by Cherry Hill
  • “Beyond Horse Massage: A Breakthrough Interactive Method for Alleviating Soreness, Strain, and Tension” By Jim Masterson

Non horse specific but great for riders: 

  • “The Inner Game Of Tennis” by Timothy Galley 
  • “The Talent Code” by Daniel Coyle
  • “Look Again” by Tali Sharot and Cass Sunstein
  • “The First Rule of Mastery” by Michael Gervais 

Youth Books:

  • Thoroughbred Series Joanna Campbell
  • Saddle club series by Bonnie Bryant
  • Pony Pals series by Jeanne Betancourt 
  • “The Hungry Place” and other books by Jessie Haas
  • “Misty of Chincoteague” and other books by Marguerite Henry
  • “Black Beauty” by Anna Sewell
  • “The Black Stallion” by Walter Farley
  • “The Blind Colt” By Glen Rounds
  • Sunshine Stables series by Olivia Tuffin
  • “Tilly’s Courage” or “Madison’s Challenge” Molly Johnston
  • “The Winged Colt of Casa Mia” By Betsy Byars
  • “Horse Care for Kids” By Cherry Hill
  • “The Complete Book Of Horses” by Debby Sly
  • Pony Club Manuals
  • 4H Manuals

Picture Books:

  • Pony Scouts Series by Catherine Hapka
  • Bramble and Maggie Series and other books by Jessie Haas
  • Billy and Blaze books by Clarence William Anderson
  • Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa books by Erica Silverman
  • “I Am Lola” series by Lori Bakewell 
  • “If I Ran The Horse Show” by Bonnie Worth
  • Breyer Stablemates (multiple authors)

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