The average rider doesn't have Olympic aspirations and a $10,000 horse. Most riders just want to learn as much as they can about horses, to ride as well as possible, and to enjoy the companionship of their equine partners. Many riders, however, feel frustrated with theirlack of progress, struggle with uncomfortable tack or painful joints, or find themselves losing confidence after a frightening experience.

In her informal yet informative style, clinician and equine behavior expert Jessica Jahiel addresses numerous rider concerns, from head (properly fitting a helmet) to toe (breaking in a pair of stiff new boots) and everything in between (those aching knees). Following the successful question-and-answer format of "The Horse Behavior Problem Solver," she presents real life situations and addresses them in comprehensive detail, offering proven solutions to common problems.

Starting from the ground up, Jahiel covers technical issues in Part I: Mount Up and Ride, addressing questions about mounting and dismounting, position in the saddle, and jumping and trail riding. Part II covers physical and emotional issues, ranging from finding the right sizehorse to facing fears to seeing things from the horse's point of view. A third section on tack and clothing includes a variety of topics, from holding the reins correctly to using a whip to making saddles more comfortable. Finally, in Part IV: Getting Better all the Time, Jahiel discusses finding (and working with) a good instructor, attending clinics, preparing for shows, and understanding what the judges might be thinking.

The problems presented in this book will be familiar to riders of all levels of experience and in all styles of riding. Jahiel's detailed advice encourages riders to relax and enjoy their relationship with the horse, to always keep learning, and above all, to put the horse first.