Do you want to take part in equestrian competition? Do you and your horse have what it takes to make it to the top? In this comprehensive new book, well-known author and editor of Your Horse magazine, Lesley Bayley, takes an in-depth look at the full range of today’s major equestrian sports, explaining exactly what each involves and how to prepare yourself and your horse for success in the ring.
There are many reasons why riders wish to compete on their horses, and the self-assessment section at the start of the book will help you deice on the best approach for both you and your horse, enabling you to get the most from taking part. Al aspects of preparing a horse for competition – feeding and fitness, choosing tack, schooling, travelling and more – are explained in detail. Using the most up-to-the-minute information available, sample fitness, feeding and schooling programmes are suggested for the various disciplines, along with ‘real-life’ examples of aspects such as horse-and-rider preparations for a first competition, cross country course walking, and how to deal with problems on the day. The emphasis is always firmly on the welfare of the horse and a positive mental attitude from the rider – both essential to success in your chosen disciple.
Separate chapters on each of the major equestrian sports – showing, dressage, showjumping, cross country and hunter trialling, and endurance riding- focus on the unique features of each and explain exactly what is required of you and your horse, both in preparation and at the show or event itself, in order to en sure a good performance. The final chapter is devoted to sample time schedules and checklist for the weeks leading up to a competition, the day of the competition itself, and post-competition care of the hors to help you make sure that nothing is left to chance.
Throughout, the detailed text is complemented by helpful diagrams and action photographs, together with quick reference information panels, checklists, tips and summaries, and at the end of each chapter a list of ‘action pints’ is provided to help you get that all-important head start on your rivals. Good luck!
Hardback.