The little horse "Maxl offers an entertaining introduction to the sport of horseback riding for all children who love horses. Child appropriate text, fun illustrations, ideas, puzzlers, and opportunities for colouring some of the images, as well as marking and filling-in the blanks make this book the ideal companion for those first riding lessons. Aside from horse care, leading, and the various gaits, little beginning riders receive all kinds of horse related information. They learn important facts about the seat and how to practice and improve the right feel for moving in the saddle. The history and various disciplines of horseback riding, and tips for equipment and choosing the right club complete this delightful book for little horse lovers.

An introduction to general horseback riding techniques.

This book is special. It is equally for parents, children and riding instructors. Parents get tips on what makes a good riding school, when they can send their child horseback riding and what positive effects this hobby has. In addition, they can learn everything worth knowing about horses together with their child. Children learn how to handle a horse, how to groom it and of course how to ride it! This way, they are well prepared when they finally have their first riding lesson. In a child-friendly way they learn not only what makes a good rider, but also everything about the correct seat, care, handling, track figures and much more. Knowing some things beforehand is great. And the riding instructor will be happy! The content of the book is namely: - The history and nature of the horse - Learning to ride - Costs and equipment - The riding school - Lessons for child and horse - The first riding lessons - First exercises and games - and much more! For riding instructors, this book is a small guide to what parents and children expect of you, how to optimally set up riding lessons for children of all ages, what should be on the curriculum and what handling of the pony should be taught. As a special extra, you will receive numerous impulses and ideas for creative children's riding lessons that are fun and motivating. On over 100 pages and some illustrations you get a good first start.

Jo holds a M.A. in Education with an emphasis in Equestrian Studies (1986) and a B.S. in Equestrian Studies with a minor in Education (1986- graduating magna cum laude). Both of her academic degrees are from Salem International University, West Virginia. She also holds a Riding Master Diploma, 1975 from Meredith Manor School of Horsemanship where she was named to the Who’s Who List for Outstanding Students in American Vocational and Technical Schools, 1975. As an administrator, Jo was formerly Dean of Meredith Manor School of Horsemanship, 1980-1985. She has a strong professional background in teacher education, program administration and curriculum development. While teaching at this internationally known school for 10 years, she focused on the development of the jumping and teaching departments. As former Vice-President for the United States Combined Training Association, Jo served on the executive committee from 1987-1989 and the board of governors from 1984-1989. During her tenure, she developed the AHSA-USCTA Combined Training Officials seminars as well as carried out the educational seminars for the general membership including beginning the USCTA Event Colleges. In 1988 she received the USCTA’s Governor’s Cup Award for outstanding contributions to the sport of Eventing. As an educator, Jo has provided equestrian education to riders and instructors, nationally, since 1975. From 1989 through 2002 she provided an on-going education program for horseback riding instructors focusing on improving their teaching effectiveness. She has also developed a working student program for Shenandoah Farm of Staunton, Virginia on training and breeding, and advised Wetherbee Farm of Boxboro Massachusetts on developing their Fitness by Riding Program. As a rider, competitor and athlete, Jo has trained and competed through the Advanced Level in Eventing and the Prix St. Georges Level in Dressage. She earned her USDF Bronze and Silver Medal Rider Awards during the late 1970’s. She has also been long listed during the 1980’s for The Eventing Olympic Team.

The books in this series guide the beginner to a mastery of the fundamental skills in each sport or activity. The lesson plans, designed to be completed in one weekend or spread over several weeks, are laid out in an easy-to-follow style, with hundreds of color photos and detailed diagrams throughout.

Step-by-step lessons teach riders of all ages basics, including developing a good relationship with the horse, mounting and riding, and progresses to more advanced skills, including jumps.

Expert advice from an experienced equestrienne pack The Complete Idiot's Guide to Horseback Riding. Learn simple strategies for mastering basic riding skill, essential information on caring for horses, the differences between Western and English riding styles, caring for the saddle and much more! Rules of polo and polocrosse are also included.