Getting Started as a Horse Rider by Reading the Best Equestrian Books

Equestrianism like any other art requires learning, enough practice, passion and dedication to master the art. If you are passionate about horse riding, you have to put in the work- getting acquainted with the best equestrian books is just as important as getting an expert or trained professional to guide you on what it takes to be a good horse rider.

Most people are horse crazy and would love to learn how to ride horses, except they do not know where to begin.There is an abundance of recommended horse riding books written by professional riders and equestrians who are far much knowledgeable about horses. These books are a must-read if you are looking to venture into horse riding.

1. Complete Horse Riding Manual by William Micklem

If you want to discover the beauty of great horsemanship, then this is the right book for you. There is more to riding a horse than just mounting and riding. The book covers show jumping, dressage, cross country riding and more. By reading this book, you will get more insight into the different things your horse can do and how to train them to do it. For experienced riders who want to compete in horse sports, the book details everything you will need to know. Additionally, the author gives information on how to pick the best horse for you, how to train it, how to bond with your horse and how to build your own fitness and stamina and that of your horse.

2. How to Get Started Horse Riding by Debbie Burgermeister

The book is one of the essential horse riding books for beginners and is suitable for people of all ages who want to start their horse riding journey. It summarizes the learning developmental goals at each stage so that you can evaluate your progress as you go. The book offers step by step guidance on how to ride a horse and added information on everything you need to know before buying a horse to prevent you from making first horse mistakes. Debbie Burgermeister is an education specialist for beginner riders (with over 45 years of experience) whose main passion centres around making horse riding safe and accessible through educational resources.

3. Riding the Horse’s Mind by Gerrie Barnes

Horses are very perceptive and intelligent animals. To connect better with your horse, you need to understand the psychology and leadership of the horse. This book explores the motivations, instincts and needs of horses and humans and how the differences often result in ineffective communication. To ride a horse better, you need to learn how to communicate with it. The author helps to bridge the gap of communication by helping you understand your horse better.

4. Horse life by Robyn Smith

This is the ultimate guide to caring for and riding horses mostly for kids. One of the best horse books for kids especially. Basic equine care is very important, how you treat your horse will determine how your horse treats you. The book shows you how to take care of your horse –from learning about its anatomy, housing, bathing and feeding. It also helps you learn about the necessary gears to ride a horse, horses’ body language, horse lingo and how they move. It outlines the qualities of different types of horses so you can see which one is perfect for you and demonstrates the best handling, training, riding and grooming practices that will ensure your safety.

5. The Faraway Horses by Buck Brannaman

The best rider is one who has the best relationship with his or her horse. In this book, Brannaman shares the best techniques to train your horse and how to develop a solid and perfect relationship with your horse. For movie lovers, the book gives you an inside scoop of the movie The Horse Whispererby Robert Redford. The book is quite useful in training horses and learning how to bond with one.

6. The Original Horse Bible ByMoira C. Reeve &Sharon Biggs

This book is the way and the truth when it comes to horses. A comprehensive and most definitive source for all things horses- from evolution, training tips, more than 150 breed profiles, riding insights, grooming, domestication, competitive activities, and health remedies for the most common equine ailments. The book is divided into different sections that cover anything and everything about horses and iselaborately illustrated in pictures so you do not miss anything.

7. The handbook of Riding Essentials by François Lemaire de Reffieu

You communicate with your horse through natural aids such as the seat, legs, hands and reigns. This is one of the best equestrian books. It explains in-depth how the natural aidsare applied, why the horse responds to specific aids and when they should be used. It explains the functions of the aids, the meaning of different reign actions, the aids for the walk, canter, trot ad transitions. The author suggests practical tips to master complicated movements and exercises to increase suppleness in the saddle.

8. Horse Riding Confidence Secrets

A horse easily senses your body language, if you tense or panic the horse will know and it will also start panicking. This book contains all the secrets you need to know to help you build your confidence on the saddle. It will help you harness the powers of your mind and body to help you cast aside your fears of riding. You will realize the struggle is mostly in your head and once you learn to relax, you will be on your way to becoming one confident rider!

9. 40 fundamentals of English Riding by Hollie H. McNeil

The author has extensive experience as a riding instructor and compounds her knowledge in this book. She outlines the fundamentals in a progressive order from when you start learning to when you become an expert. The book is both perfect for beginners and more experienced riders who want to brush up on their skills. It teaches correct seat, leg and hand position, basic horse movements, how to direct and control speed, how to apply half halts and a lot more.

10. Getting the most from riding lessons by Mike Smith

It is not enough to just go for riding lessons — you should also learn beforehand what to expect, what sounds good for you and how things are done so you can make the most of your riding lessons. This book is the perfect guide for someone who is planning on taking riding lessons. It offers a brief lesson on horses’ profiles at the beginning of each chapter with a description of their personality and behaviour. Each chapter contains a new topic with a different set of skills to learn. The author breaks down riding into much easier and understandable steps.