"Where knowledge ends frustration begins, followed shortly thereafter by force or brutality. If you get angry, your signals will get stronger and the horse will react to that with resistance and become defensive". — Jim Reilly

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"Ideas with regard to the importance of theory over practice will always differ, but they will agree on one point, namely, that the one is not complete without the other. Theory without practice is of little value, whereas practice is the proof of theory. It is the theoretical knowledge that will show the way to perfection. Theory is the knowledge, practice the ability. Knowledge must always take precedence over action. This thesis is especially true of the art of riding. In spite of initial success, the self-taught person can never become more than a workman, only on a foundation of theory can riding develop to the realm of art.--To be successful the rider must be able to distinguish between cause and effect. The effect will be easy to see, but the cause will be recognized only through knowledge, which is supported by theory". — Alois Podhajsky

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In an endeavor to deepen and broaden a rider's knowledge I have developed a suggested list of books from all disciplines of riding which hopefully will be found informative. This list will be added to periodically and I welcome input from those viewing this list. So begin the journey and enjoy...

• Xenophon: The Art of Horsemanship —Translated by M. H. Morgan, Ph.D --- J. A. Allen, Reprinted 1999
  
  
• The Complete Training of Horse and Rider In the Principles of Classical Horsemanship — Alois Podhajsky --- Doubleday, English Translation 1967
  
  
• Reflections on Equestrian Art — Nuno Oliveira, Translated by Phyllis Field --- J. A. Allen, 1976, New Edition 1988
  
  
• Dressage in Harmony — By Walter Zettl ---Half Halt Press Inc. 1998
  
  
• The Way to Perfect Horsemanship — By Udo Bürger --- Traflagar Publishing 1998
  
  
• Hunter Seat Equitation (3^rd edition) — By George Morris --- Doubleday 1990
  
  
• Think Harmony with Horses — By Ray Hunt --- Pioneer Publishing Company 1991



• Lessons in Lightness (The Art of Educating the Horse) — Mark Russell with Andrea W. Steele —The Lyons Press—2004



• Right from the start, Create a Sane, Soft, Well-Balanced Horse — Michael Schaffer—Trafalgar Square Publishing - 2001

• Basic Training of the Young Horse — Ingrid and Reiner Klimke — Trafalgar Square Publishing, 2006
  
  
• Dressage Masters: Klaus Balkenhol, Ernst Hoyos, Dr. Uwe Schulten-Baumer, George Theodorescu — David Collins — Lyons Press
  
  
• Principles of Dressage — Brig. Gen. Kurt Albrecht — J. A. Allen Publisher
  
  
• Fules For Dressage Events — FEI
  
  
• School Of Horsemanship — Francois de la Gueriniere —J.A. Allen Publisher
  
  
• The Spanish Riding School — Hans Handler — Mc Braw Hill Publisher
  
  
• The Dressage Formula — Eric Herbermann — J.A. Allen Publisher
  
  
• Training The Young Horse — Reiner Klimke — J.A. Allen Publisher
  
  
• Dressage — Sylvia Loch — Trafalgar Square, Publisher
  
  
• Horsemanship — Waldemar Seunig — Doubleday Publisher
  
  
• The Gymnasium Of The Horse — Gustav Steinbrecht — Xeneophon Press Publisher
  
  
• Dressage Riding — Richard Watjen — J.A. Allen Publisher