Resources
In Reflections on Equestrian Art by Nuno Oliveira and translated by Phyllis Field, the master horseman states:
"All books are of use to the very advanced rider who has had great practice in riding, so that he can pick out the good advice, using it profitably, while knowing which parts to discard."
But the advanced rider is not the only rider who should read. Riders in every stage of development should constantly strive to expand their knowledge through reading as well as through riding, class instruction, and clinics.
The abundance of books on horseback riding and training will expose the reader to the various methods and techniques used by a variety of top riders and trainers. There is no perfect combination of methods and cues which will work for every horse every time. The more techniques to which the rider is exposed, the more tools he will have in his tool box. If one tool does not work, he has another available which may.
While the novice rider may at first become confused by different uses for the same term or different terms for the same movement or cue, things will become clearer if he or she perseveres. Eventually patterns will evolve, the student will discover general patterns of agreement within the seeming jumble of contradictions. It is in these areas of general agreement that the student should base his or her riding — just as an artist or student of music must first develop a command of the basics. Then, the rider, like the artist, can begin to develop his or her own style.
I have set up a site listing resources for riders and trainers at quietriding.org. This site lists numerous books related to horses, training, and riding. I will be adding to this list as time goes on. I will, also, be adding reviews of these resources as I read and re-read them.
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