"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
"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
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 (3rd 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
