Table of Contents
Acknowledgments.
Introduction.
How It All Began
30 Years of Revelations.
PART I: Getting Started or Starting Over
Success Is Easier Than You Think.
1. Looking into Your Future A Confident Rider on a Confident Horse.
2. Building the Foundation The Seven Steps, Part One.
3. Meeting and Greeting Good First Impressions Create a Positive Relationship.
4. Grooming, Tack, and Tacking Talking to Your Horse in Different Ways.
5. Leading Be in Charge without Being Controlling.
6. Mounting and Dismounting Riding Confidence Starts Here.
PART II: Riding without Fear
Bareback or without Stirrups.
7. Sitting on the Horse The Seven Steps, Part Two.
8. Communicating Considerately The Stick, the Seat, the Center, the Weight, and the Eyes.
9. Free at Last!
Riding without Reins, Sitting the Trot without Stirrups.
10. Handling the Reins Goofproof Your Moves.
PART III: Riding without Fear
Back in the Saddle and Using the Stirrups.
11. Settling into the Saddle Adjust to the Difference.
12. Solving the Stirrup Problem The Seven Seats, Part One: Full Seat.
13. Solving the Balance Problem The Seven Seats, Part Two: Half Seat.
14. Posting the Trot Perfection Is Perfectly Possible.
15. Cantering Basics Just in Case.
PART IV: Helping Your Horse Do What You Want
The Leg and Rein Aids.
16. Using Your Legs No Strength Required!
17. Understanding the Rein Connection Use Your Hands Effectively.
18. Overcoming Rein Resistance Simple Hand and Rein Effects That Work.
19. Putting the Aids to Work Go, Turn, Stop, and Back.
Conclusion Build Self-Confidence in Yourself and Your Horse
Be the Perfect Student.
APPENDICES.
Appendix A: Making and Fitting a Neck Strap.
Appendix B: Plateaus Charting Your Progress.
Appendix C: The Flowchart Where Can You Go from Here?
Appendix D: Resources.
Index.