Training Tree for Riders - Softcover

Amanda J. Berges

Softcover

ISBN 10: 157779124X ISBN 13: 9781577791249

Publisher: Alpine Publications, Inc., 2012

The "Training Tree" presents a systematic approach to rider development that will help any rider, beginner to advanced, in any discipline, improve. The goal of rider training is to produce the kind of horse and rider team that is beautiful to see: graceful, fluid, balanced, and performing tasks with lightness and ease. Too often riders struggle year after year toward the same elusive goals and experience the same difficulties. The training tree presents a series of foundational building blocks that focus on creating a fluid, balanced rider and that can be used with any horse and any style of riding. Included are multiple exercises for every step, diagnostics to show what a rider needs to work on, how to know when you are ready to focus on the next step, and effective and interesting ways of integrating the steps into lessons. Each step is thoroughly explained and illustrated, and includes diagnostics to show what the rider needs to work on and when he/she is ready for the next step. Lesson plans are included in the appendix, so the book can be used for self-teaching or as a tool for riding instructors. A very good foundation book for beginners to learn riding skills and a helpful review for advanced riders. Whether you are are rider seeking to improve your skills or an instructor looking for ways to help your students, Training Tree for Riders will help you develop into the kind of rider you want to be.

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About the Author:

Amanda Berges has been training horses since 1985 and teaching riding lessons since 1988. She has experience with a variety of disciplines including Western, saddleseat, and side-saddle, in addition to her specialties of hunt seat and dressage.

Her teaching experience has ranged from children to adults, from backyard farms to national champion show stables and college equestrian programs, and in fact the concept for this book came to her while a member of the equestrian faculty at Lake Erie College as Amanda Dempsey.

Always fascinated by teaching in both practice and theory, Amanda has been certified by the American Riding Instructors Association (ARIA) for over a decade. Amanda is also a licensed teacher and a busy horse show judge and clinician. Her articles have appeared Riding Instructor magazine, ARIA's official publication, and others.

Review:

As valuable to the beginner rider as it is to the keen competitor or coach. Well worth reading! I've ridden all my life and I've already used Berges' ideas to step back and remedy a few things. Challenge your balance at the simplest levels with off-horse exercises and you may be surprised. Rhythm is explained in terms of the horse's foot falls and their effect on the rider. The controversial notion of "feel" is dealt with in a chapter that will challenge and engage riders of all levels to find the live contact and become aware of the connection between the horse's legs and contact. Far from being a workbook, Training Tree for Riders offers readers the know-how to realize their potential and solve problems as they arise. --Samantha Mattucks, The Arabian Magazine

I have just finished reading Training Tree for Riders and am very impressed with the book. It is well organized and written from a unique perspective. [Berges'] has developed a "tree" that focuses on qualities rather than tasks. From the solid basic training learned through the training tree the rider will be prepared to move on to any equestrian skill. As a reviewer I really want to ... encourage instructors and adult students to read it. It is well worth it. I particularly like the author's ability to describe an exercise so well. She clearly explains her methods of teaching but offers alternatives. It is a quick read, containing information not typically addressed in "how to" books. --Suzanne H. Coen, Asst. Prof. Equestrian Studies, Lake Erie College; former Instructor, Ohio State Ag. Tech Institute

Whether you are a pony club member bare past your second lesson, a competitor who places at every show, or a riding instructor looking for new lesson ideas, Training Tree for Riders is a great addition to any equestrian's library. Berges introduces an array of exercises...with explanations, descriptions, and images, making them helpful and easy to follow. Every exercise works on strength, balance, and connection with your horse.
An ideal book for new riders who are looking for answers. It contains information about many basic riding questions concerning equipment, fitness, exercises, prerequisites, coaching and skill set. A trustworthy go-to for riding questions...contains something helpful for every rider of every discipline. --Gaelyn Foster, U. S. Eventing Association newsletter

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