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This section provides information for riders just starting out, for more experienced riders and for horse owners. There is no quick fix in learning to ride / training horses and there is no magical gadget. It can all seam very confusing as to which methods to follow and who to listen to when it comes to riding / training horses. Riding lessons / lessons with a trainer can be expensive therefore it is essential that you know as much as possible so you make an informed choice. It can be confusing selecting a riding school / local trainer / training method to use with your horse so below is some information that will help you to make informed choices.
If you are looking for one to one advice / tuition and you live in Warwickshire I am available for private tuition. I have extensive experience of teaching, for many years I was the head instructor at a local riding school. I am qualified to teach to degree level and I have lectured up to degree level for 2 universities. I have wide experience in teaching traditional riding methods and a wide range of natural horsemanship techniques. To find out more please call Vicki Jayne Maris on 07930605544 or e-mail vmaris@tiscali.co.uk
Topics covered on this page are:-
Do you know what you are doing around horses to be safe? Horses are big, heavy, strong, fast animals who don't have a good grasp of our language. Horse sports are dangerous, however most accidents don't happen at competitions, they happen at home , at the riding stables or in a casual setting. Accidents can and do happen and many can be avoided. To help prevent and reduce accidents try to follow these rules:-
Don't let this become overwhelming. People and horses have been living and working together for thousands of years. Horse sports can never be as safe as knitting, but you can make being around horses and riding safer by using your common sense and never be ashamed to ask for help or advice.
Choosing and finding a riding school can be difficult, especially if you are just starting out. To help riders identify yards that meet standards two organisations the British Horse Society and the Association of British Riding Schools have developed quality standard schemes. Riders should look out for riding schools that are approved by one or both of these organisations. These riding schools are inspected every year so you should check the approval is current. Approved riding schools employ staff trained through the BHS or ABRS examinations. The level of qualifications staff and instructors hold at a riding school can vary, however you should be provided with a qualified instructor that is able to teach your level of riding ability. Therefore you need to make sure you inform the riding school of your level of experience when you book your lesson. Please note the above information on rider safety as riding is a dangerous sport. Even at an approved school and with a well qualified instructor horse riding can be dangerous. Therefore it is important the riding school’s staff have had first aid training and the centre holds a current first aid certificate.
It is worth visiting a few local riding schools to check out their facilities and watch a lesson being taught. See if you receive a warm welcome and check out the horses and ponies (do they look healthy? If you are not sure what to look out for click here for information on The Healthy Horse). You can expect riding schools to offer a variety of lessons from private, to semi-private where two or three people are taught in the same lesson, to group lessons where larger groups of people are taught in the same lesson by one instructor. It is worth checking out the prices. A good riding school will ask you questions when you book your lesson they will need to know your height, weight and riding experience to ensure you are given a suitable horse. To find out more about the BHS and to find a local BHS approved riding school please click here.
There are is fantastic range of horse riding clothing available to suit a range of budgets. There are essential clothing items / safety equipment that riders should have. It is essential that you are properly equipped for riding and that you wear equipment that meets recognised safety standards. If you compete on your horse each discipline has a governing body that may insist on particular safety standards of equipment, therefore it is best to check with these governing bodies before making a purchase. Safety standards ensure a product is tested for safety and construction quality.
Below is information on the essential riding clothing items / equipment so you are able to more make informed choices:
Riding Hats Riding hats and skulls are available in a wide range of designs. It is an essential piece of kit and should be fitted carefully to make sure you are wearing the correct size. Never purchase second hand as the hat could be damaged Iinside and you wouldn’t be able to tell. You need to look after your riding hat e.g. Take care not to drop your hat or leave in a hot car. If you have a fall and your hat takes an impact your hat will need replacing. These are the common safety standards for riding hats: BSEN 1384, PAS015, EN1384, ASTMF1163/SEI
Body Protectors There has been a lot of design and innovation in body protectors, they are available in different styles and designs. They should fit snugly and be fitted carefully. The standards that apply to body protectors are: BETA and for most riders the level 3 is the most appropriate as it offers the highest level of protection.
Footwear For riding it is best to wear footwear designed for riding. If you want to protect your feet you may want to consider footwear that has built in toe protection. These boots should comply to the BSEN346 safety standard.
High Visibility If you ride on the roads you and your horse need to wear high visibility clothing. Research has shown that wearing high visibility clothing can make a big difference to your safety on the road as it gives drivers three more seconds to see you and your horse. It could save your life! There is a wide range of products available. Some high visibility products conform to the standard EN471.
These items listed help to make riding more comfortable:
Jodhpurs / Breeches Wearing jodhpurs or breeches can make riding more comfortable, they are designed with riding in mind. Jodhpurs help prevent rubbing and are made from fabrics that are flexible. They are available in a very wide range of designs and to suit a wide range of budgets.
Gloves Handling horses and riding can be tough on your hands. Activities such as leading horses or lunging require your hands to be protected with a pair of gloves.
Half Chaps / Gaiters If you ride in short boots half chaps / gaiters offer your lower leg protection from rubbing.
Jacket There are a fantastic range of jackets you can wear designed with riding in mind. They provide the horse rider protection from the weather.
There are a wide range of mail order providers, websites and tack shops that can supply you with a fantastic range of horse riding clothing. Coming soon to this site will be links for you to check these out.
Sharing / Loaning a Horse or Pony For many horse owners who maybe struggling to exercise / look after their horses loaning or sharing their horse is a better alternative to selling their horse. For the person looking to share or loan a horse it also has advantages. There is no outlay in purchasing a horse and often the horse has all the tack and equipment supplied.
However both parties should think very carefully before entering into a loan or share agreement. For the sharer / loanee they need to consider do they have the time, experience, expertise, knowledge, money and comitment to take on a horse / pony. For the horse owner you need to be careful who you loan your horse to – it has been known for loanees to sell horses or ponies on without informing the owner. Therefore if you don't know the loaner well you should consider taking up references.
For the safety of all concerned it is best to have a formal share / loan agreement drawn up before the share / loan starts. You can draw up your own contract. There are example contracts available to use as a starting point, a good example is available on the British Horse Society website along with an information leaflet – click here to find out more. It is advised to get your loan / share agreement checked over by a legal adviser before it is signed and witnessed to ensure it is a sound and legally binding document.
If you ride horses, own a horse or pony, run a livery yard, run a riding school, teach riding etc…insurance cover is essential in case anything should go wrong. Accidents can and do happen and horses can become ill requiring veterinary care. Insurance companies can offer you an insurance package to meet your requirements. It is best to shop around and gather a number of quotes to compare prices and the packages being offered. Below is some basic information on insurance:
Rider Insurance Horse riders can take out insurance cover to protect themselves from the risks involved in riding even if they don't own a horse. Below are the basic things you may want included in your policy:
Private Horse / Pony Owners
Riding establishments and livery yard insurance Rider Registration Form - a form that riders must fill out themselves regarding their level of experience and competence. Instructor/Escort Details Horse/Pony Assessment These forms enable you to collect key information which insurers will need. They are concise and ask all the right questions. To visit the BHS website to find out more click here Coming soon to the site will be links to insurance companies for you to finds out more information.
There is no quick fix in training horses - there is no magical gadget. It can all seam very confusing as to which methods to follow and who to listen to when it comes to training horses. There are a wide range of training methods and training philosophies ranging from the traditional to natural horsemanship. To make this even more confusing for the every day horse owner you may find even experts in the field sometimes finding it hard to agree on best practice. However to reach your own decision about the best training method(s) for your horse you would be advised to be open minded and willing to learn new skills and concepts. By being open to new experiences you will have a rich learning journey. You will discover many useful techniques and you will be able to identify what does and doesn’t work for you and your horse. Both you and your horse are individuals and what will work well for one partnership may not be as effective or successful for another partnership. Speaking from personal experience I have learnt from the traditional British Horse Society method, Classical Riding method from natural horsemanship trainers Monty Roberts, Pat Parelli, Mark Rashid, Franklin Levinson and from horses themselves. Horses are our best educators, however to learn from them we must see and understand the world from their perspective. I am continually learning and adding new techniques / methods to my tool box. My aim is to refine my partnership with horses. Tips I can share with you are to be open minded, to listen, be critical, ask questions, be objective, assess your learning, and be patient. Accept and be excited by the fact that we will never know everything – there is always something new to learn.
Here are a few tips for if you want to employ a local trainer to work with you and your horse: You can learn a lot from watching them teach, as teaching styles vary and you need to decide if your learning style is compatible. Ensure they are experienced / qualified and have a good reputation. Discuss with them in advance what you hope to achieve by working with them.
If you live in Warwickshire I am available for private tuition. I have extensive experience of teaching, for many years I was the head instructor at a local riding school. I am qualified to teach upto degree level and I have lectured for 2 universities. I have wide experience in teaching traditional riding methods and a wide range of natural horsemanship techniques. To find out more please call Vicki Jayne Maris on 07930605544 or e-mail vmaris@tiscali.co.uk Listed here are a few of the many training methods / philosophies / trainers with links to websites for you to find out more.
Links to Training Methods / Philosophies / Trainers (Listed in alphabetical order. Please click on the link to find out more) The list above is not comprehensive so more will be added in the near future.
Here is listed some recommend reading. These books I have read and found to be very useful, inspirational and provide a range of insights into handling and riding horses.
Top Horse Training Methods Explored by Anne Wilson ISBN 0 7153 1776 8 Published by David and Charles This book compares the most popular training methods / techniques used by horse trainers today. The book has insights in to the methods of:- Monty Roberts, Pat Parelli, Sylvia Loch, GaWaNi Pony Boy, Kelly Marks, Richard Maxwell, Linda Tellington-Jones and Sylvia Stanier.
Enlightened Equitation Riding in True Harmony with Your Horse By Heather Moffett ISBN 0 7153 0810 6 Published by David and Charles Enlightened Equitation demystifies the techniques of riding and training from a traditional / classical perspective.
Click Here to visit Heather Moffett’s website
The Complete Guide to Dressage by Jennie Loriston-Clarke ISBN 0 09 174430 X Published by Quarto Publishing plc In this book Jennie demonstrates how to achieve perfect harmony between horse and rider. The Young Horse Breaking and Training by Jennie Loriston-Clarke ISBN 0 7153 0192 6 Published by David and Charles This is a great book for anyone who is starting a young horse or re-schooling a horse and is looking to use traditional techniques.
The Classical Rider by Sylvia Loch ISBN 0 85131 683 2 Publisher J.A.Allen This book is technical, spiritual and autobiographical.
A Classical Riding Notebook by Michael J Stevens ISBN 1 872082 50 5 Publisher Kenilworth Press This book looks at traditional classical techniques for riding.
Modern Riding Techniques Harmony in Horsemanship by Selma Brandl ISBN 1 85310 815 4 Publisher Swan Hill Press This book provides a good overview of the psychology of the horse as a basis for schooling and training the horse. It also covers step by step a wide range of topics for the rider.
Riding Success Without Stress Introducing the Alexander Technique by Joni Bently ISBN 0 85131 702 2 Publisher J.A.Allen This book looks at the Alexander technique and how it can be applied to classical / traditional riding. Mark Rashid
Mark is a well known author and top horse trainer in the USA. I have listed 4 of the books I have read of Mark’s and they are all an excellent read. A must have on your book shelf. Horses Never Lie – The Heart of Passive Leadership by Mark Rashid ISBN 0 7153 1841 1 Publisher David and Charles All of Mark’s books are a great read. This book showcases how to become a passive leader. Life Lessons from a Ranch Horse by Mark Rashid ISBN 0 7153 1837 3 Publisher David and Charles In this book Mark shares with you the six lessons he learnt from his horse Buck. - be non-confrontational - plan ahead - be patient - be persistent - be consistent - fix setbacks and move on Considering the Horse Tales of Problems Solved and Lessons Learnt by Mark Rashid ISBN 0 7153 1838 1 Publisher David and Charles This book is packed full of entertaining stories that introduce Mark’s approach to training horses. This book will give you a new perspective of seeing things from the horse’s point of view. A Good Horse is Never a Bad Colour by Mark Rashid ISBN 0 7153 1839 X Publisher David and Charles This book is the follow up book from Considering the Horse and in it Mark continues to share with the reader insights into his training methods for horses.
To find out more about Mark Rashid Click Here to visit his website.
Monty Roberts Monty has written several books here are listed the 4 I have read and found all 4 to be excellent reading. Monty Roberts The Man Who Listens to Horses by Monty Roberts ISBN 0 09 180206 7 Publisher Hutchinson This book is an inspirational story that introduces you to how Monty discovered and developed his training methods. Shy Boy - The Horse That Came in From the Wild by Monty Roberts ISBN 0 00 257105 6 Publisher Harper Collins This book provides a deep insight into the relationship Monty Roberts had with just one wild mustang horse Shy Boy. A truly inspirational book! The Horses in My Life by Monty Roberts ISBN 0 7553 1343 7 Publisher Headline Book Publishing This book is a celebration of the horses that have shaped Monty’s life. Join Up Horse Sense for People by Monty Roberts ISBN 0 00 257107 2 Publisher Harper Collins This book explores the lessons learnt from training horses and how this can be applied to how we treat each other.
To find out more about Monty Roberts please Click Here to visit his website.
What Horses Reveal by Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling ISBN 0 85131 855 X Publisher J.A.Allen This book showcases Klaus’s four principals: - Learning how to recognize a horse’s true nature - The 26 character groups: how horses reveal themselves - The first encounter with a horse - The correct training methods for each character group. Dancing with Horses by Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling ISBN 0 85131 787 1 Publisher J.A.Allen Dancing with Horses looks at how humans can use body language to communicate with horses. Click Here to visit Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling’s website From Birth to Backing by Richard Maxwell with Johanna Sharples
ISBN 0 7153 0727 4 Published by David and Charles This is a great book for anyone who is starting a young horse or re-schooling a horse and is looking to use more natural methods.
Click Here to visit Richard Maxwell's website
Understanding Nervousness in Horse and Rider by Moyra Williams ISBN 0 85 131 747 2 Publisher J.A.Allen This books looks at what causes nervousness in horses and riders and provides the everyday rider with assistance with everyday problems.
Reading the Horse’s Mind by Jackie Budd ISBN 1 86054 016 3 Publisher Ringpress This book provides a useful insight into how the horse’s mind works. And provides insights from top trainers – these include:- Linda Tellinton Jones, Monty Roberts, Susan Hutchinson, Karen O’Connor, Sylvia Loch, Marcy Pavord, David Broome, Carl Hester and Mary King.
Bombproof Your Horse by Sgt Rick Pelicano with Lauren Tjaden ISBN 0 85131 896 7 Publisher J.A.Allen This book shows you step by step how to teach your horse to be confident, obedient and safe.
The Horse Rider’s Problem Solver by Vanessa Britton ISBN 0 7153 0613 8 Published by David and Charles The Horse Owner’s Problem Solver by Vanessa Britton ISBN 0 7153 0614 6 Published by David and Charles These two books offer a range of top tips for solving riding and horse care and horse management problems. Horse, Follow Closely by GaWani Pony Boy
ISBN 1 889540 22 6 Publisher Bowtie Press This book looks at native American horsemanship. Click Here to find out more about GaWaNi Pony Boy
Perfect Manners by Kelly Marks ISBN 0 09 188270 2 Publisher Ebury Press London Kelly’s book provides information how to be more effective in communicating with your horse. It will help you to be more effective with your training techniques and help you develop a stronger and more meaningful relationship with your horse. Click Here to find out more about Kelly Marks
My Horses, My Teachers by Alois Podhajsky ISBN 0 85131 692 1 Publisher J.A.Allen Alois Podhajsky rode to Olympic level and was a teacher and director for the Spanish Riding School in Vienna for 26 years. This book draws upon Alois personal experiences.
Training From the Ground by the Marquis MacSwiney of Mashanaglass ISBN 0 85131 429 5 Publisher J.A.Allen This books looks at how to train a young horse in hand. It would also be useful for older horses that need to be re-schooled and require going back to basics.
Lessons on the Lunge for Horse and Rider by Molly Sivewright ISBN 0 7063 7696 X Publisher Ward Lock This is a useful book for anyone who wants to learn to lunge or improve their lunging technique. It also provides ideas for further exercises for horse or rider on the lunge.
Solo Schooling by Wendy Jago ISBN 0 85131 859 2 Publisher J.A.Allen If you are looking for schooling ideas to use when you are riding on your own then this book is packed full of tips and ideas.
Schooling with Ground Poles by Claire Lilley ISBN 0 85131 864 9 Publisher J.A.Allen This is a good book to have if you are looking for ideas to liven up your schooling.
Training the Horse in Hand by Alfons J Dietz ISBN 3 86127 911 8 Publisher Cadmos Equestrian This book looks at the classical Iberian principles and methods for training a horse in hand.
There are many more books I can recommend and these will be added very soon. If you have read a good book and wish to recommend it as a good read please click here to contact us and tell us about it. As we would be happy to add your recommendations to this list.
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