Books

Ready to Ride is an informative account of a year-long project involving a group of jockeys. The riders volunteered to be tested at the British Olympic Medical Centre and then followed prescribed exercise and nutritional programmes. The project was to show how properly tailored regimens could help human athletes in equestrian sports maintain their optimum riding weight and considerably advance their fitness. Though not a large scientific project, the improvements gained by those riders who persevered demonstrated that many of the myths surrounding jockeys were noting more than that – myths. This book contains all the relevant information on the project’s progress and results, with detail that is sometimes amusing and occasionally moving. The exercises, devised by one of Britain’s leading coaches, are explained and depicted. Together with nutritional advice, they make the book essential reading for any budding or currently competing rider. One of the project’s most enthusiastic supporters, Ray Cochrane, gave his endorsement early on: “The younger ones need someone to tell them what to do. I wish somebody had told me 10 years ago.”

Paperback.