Through personal experience,
I've learned that reading is the best way to understand horses and riding.
On these pages, I've presented a selection of the best equestrian books
available for your exploration. The majority of these books are in my own
library and backed up by my reviews. Others I've felt to be very useful
for you, and are hopeful future purchases for myself.
Please browse at your leisure.
Happy reading!
Note: Books are categorized by
experience levels 1, 2, and 3. This is to help you determine which books
are appropriate for your experience. Levels are explained on
the Riding School.
From novice to advanced, this book
explains the principles of classical riding. It discusses the classical
position, correct application of the aids and their effect on the horse,
outline and correct carriage of the horse, putting the horse on the aids,
bending and lateral suppleness, and lateral exercises.
(Read
more)
While it deals comprehensively with all the
technical aspects of training, from breaking to the most advanced
movements, the book also offers many examples of the author’s philosophy:
to view riding and training essentially as an art form. (Read
more)
The six elements of the
training scale are explained thoroughly in this
practical and beautifully illustrated book. Learn the
theory behind dressage training and discover how simple
it is to progress through the levels. (Read
more)
This book is a gem. It should be on every horse person's shelf. Mark shows how everyone can become their horse's chosen leader rather than an alpha leader. Beautifully written with inspiring true stories that will touch your heart. Words cannot express how valuable this book is to your equestrian education.
(Read
more)
Both beginning and advanced trainers
and riders will learn why the elements of the training
scale exist, how to develop them in a horse, and even
when not to use them. Starting with the basics, and
moving on towards the most subtle aspects, this is the
complete guide to the art of training and riding a
horse. (Read
more)
This is the best book on cavalletti to date. Packed with step-by-step information and illustrations, it will help any rider or trainer improve their horse's athletic ability. Written by dressage legend Dr. Reiner Klimke.
(Read
more)
The amount of elaboration in this book about the true basics of classical riding makes it by far one of the best available dressage books on the market. The title of the book very much explains what it is about - the formula that will help you reach new heights with your horse.
(Read
more)
Lendon Gray helps riders of all
sports and levels improve and enjoy daily training with
her simple, down–to–earth approach to building riding
skills. Lessons begin with the rider’s position and
progress through working on contact, putting the horse
on the aids, perfecting transitions, and, for some
healthy variety, cavaletti, basic trail work, and
competition training.
(Read
more)
Top
of the list!A book that
must occupy every horseperson's library. There's
more inspiration in this book than a dozen
equestrian books! You'll laugh, you'll cry,
you'll love it!
(Read
more)
A charming and educating book that
explores our relationship with horses since ancient
times to our modern day. Contains plenty of stories
about various horses and their people, and concludes
with an interesting discussion of why we're hooked on
horses. (Read
more)
