The Horseless Rider - Softcover

Barbara Burn

3.67

12 ratings by Goodreads

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1585743224 ISBN 13: 9781585743223

Publisher: Lyons Press, 2001

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Paperback, as pictured; shelf-type wear; text is excellent (sp)

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Review:

If you know that it pays to look a gift horse in the mouth, but aren't sure what to look for, The Horseless Rider is just the book you're looking for. Whether you're looking for a job in your local stables or an occasional low-cost hack, you'll find plenty of information to get the equine experience you seek, without having to invest in the expense of ownership. Throughout the book, author Barbara Burn provides education about the general care of horses aimed at beginners. Chances are that even experienced riders will learn from reading these parts; as Burn says, "it never ceases to amaze me how many horseless riders seem to believe that horses were born with tack in place." From proper trail etiquette to approaching your first ride, Burn tells you what to expect, what to hope for, and how you can make the best of any situation. Public stables can vary greatly in quality, and she has useful tips about checking for saddle sores, matching temperament to skill level, and gathering information about a specific horse's preferences and history. She cautions readers to be honest about their skill; anything else can lead to both embarrassment and injury.

Her horse-seeking suggestions range from basics like paying for lessons to seeking a job at a public stable or riding camp. More subtle ideas involve research--you will be surprised at the number of privately owned horses in search of more exercise, once you know where to look for them. Owners are always happy to have a volunteer stall-mucker; if you're willing to get dirty once a week, you may be well rewarded. --Jill Lightner

From the Back Cover:

Get the most out of riding - even if you don't own a horse? In The Horseless Rider, Barbara Burn reveals the information that riders, regardless of level, will want to know. She begins with the basics, such as styles of riding, since horseless riders need to be able to handle any mount that is offered at any time. She explains how to choose an instructor and how to spot the best horse in a rental stable, and provides important facts regarding the responsibilities, legal and otherwise, that go with riding someone else's horse. Whether it's renting or sharing a horse, landing a job in a stable, or exercising or showing other people's horses, this wise guide uncovers all the options horseless riders can explore to get themselves into the saddle. (6 x 9, 256 pages, illustrations)

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