The Less-than-perfect Rider: Overcoming Common Riding Problems

Book by Lesley Bayley

Riding is a demanding and at times frustrating sport. Every rider encounters problems and experiences feelings of inadequacy, whether attempting to master a particular dressage movement or summoning up the courage to jump a difficult course. All riders, from novices to top competitors, often permit their physical or emotional shortcomings to overwhelm them. Consequently, in The Less-Than-Perfect Rider Lesley Bayley and Caroline Davis focus on the topics that, in their experience, are of the greatest concern to riders:

• how to communicate with the horse
• how to improve mental attitudes
• body shape and how it affects riding
• the importance of visualization in correcting faults

Bayley and Davis offer sound riding instruction as well as a program of exercises that will improve a rider's confidence and ability. Once shortcomings—real or imagined—are understood and addressed, riding will become the pleasure it was meant to be.