The Horseless Rider, Third Revised Edition: A Complete Guide to the Art of Riding, Showing, and Enjoying Other People's Horses

Many horseback riders, for reasons of choice or necessity, don't own their own horses and must therefore rely on borrowed or rented mounts. Now galloping to their rescue is the revised and expanded edition of The Horseless Rider by Barbara Burn.
A lifelong horsewoman and, until recently, herself a horseless rider, Burn draws on her own experiences and those of many other equestrians with regard to selecting a rental stable (with or without a lesson program); getting the most from instructors for you and whichever horse you happen to be riding, and in a variety of riding styles; and understanding the responsibilities-legal and otherwise-of riding someone else's animal.
Many opportunities other than renting exist, from jobs around barns that pay in rides, to part- and full-time equestrian careers, to organizations, camps, schools, and vacation resorts and tours that don't require equine ownership. The author explores all these options, including one of the ultimates in horselessness: competing on other people's horses.
Illustrated with photographs and line drawings, The Horseless Rider offers an engaging and valuable "leg up" for anyone who wants to spend time in the saddle.




In praise of the earlier edition:

"A practical guide designed for people who do not own horses. There is an emphasis on getting along with horses in general."
--Equus.

"... runs the gamut of planned and impromptu riding situations by covering etiquette and legal situations as well as grooming, exercising, and stall-mucking techniques."
--Western Horseman

"A refreshing book, full of sensible advice and entertaining comment. THE HORSELESS RIDER fills a very real need."
--William C. Steinkraus, Olympic show jumping gold medallist and U.S. Equestrian Team official

Barbara Burn recently retired after a distinguished career in book publishing. She and her Andalusian horse Koda now devote much of their time to dressage. She is the author of A Practical Guide To Impractical Pets, The Penguin Book of Pets, Mutt, and coauthor of the best-selling The Whole Horse Catalog. She lives in New York City.