Riding well can be a puzzle. This book puts together the pieces, including: - How humans and horses learn. - Striving for partnership vs. dictatorship. - Early training and developing skills. - Demystifying equestrian-speak. - Dressage outside the arena. - Ground poles for the rest of us.

- Jumping and cross-country tips. - Solving problems, wherever you ride. - Competition psychology. - Being coached and being a coach. "This book is aimed at riders, coaches, and anyone interested in learning more about how humans and horses interact. I have tried to harness my own experiences when I cover the three main disciplines--dressage, show jumping, and eventing--and how they relate to one another. I look at how those in a coaching position can guide riders to perform better by making their lives less complicated and more fulfilling, and I examine how riders can apply the same principles to training their horses and become self-sufficient." --Eric Smiley.