Stressing the benefits of preparation, Mike Smith helps you retain and even improve your riding skills in between lessons. Brushing up on the basics of horsemanship, identifying key goals, and conditioning riding muscles are all part of Smith’s regimen, which is designed to enhance your riding experience and maximize the benefits of precious lesson time. With insights into understanding horse behavior and advice on how to effectively communicate with your instructor, you’ll gain the confidence to take your riding to the next level. Whoa! Don't get on a horse until you read this book. Boost your self-confidence and get the most for your money with this one-of-a-kind companion guide to riding lessons. Getting the Most from Riding Lessons gives you all the information you need to communicate effectively with your instructor and advance your riding skills outside of lesson time. Following the easy, step-by-step instructions, you'll learn how to: -- Warm up and condition key riding muscles -- Brush up the basics -- Perfect the use of the aids -- Improve control and coordination -- Master diagonals, evasions, and collection -- Advance to jumping and showing Author Mike Smith has extensive experience with horses, for he has been teaching riding for over 25 years, owns two horse centers and 50 percent interest in a third. He has a master's degree from the British Horse Society, and holds an Instructors Certification from the Potomac Horse Center in Maryland. Mike rides and trains to the 4th level in Dressage, and has trained and competed with A-Level hunters and jumpers. He has a rigorous training program for the instructors employed at his stables, and he is responsible for the instruction of 1,000 students. Mike's book, Getting the Most from Riding Lessons, is a popular Storey title. He resides in Silver Spring, Maryland. Used Book in Good Condition