More Americans are riding for pleasure today than at any time since the automobile replaced the horse. People of all ages can master this delightful year-round sport, and this book tells the beginner everything he needs to know to acquire the basic skills. There are chapters on the equipment for both horse and rider, riding styles, handling the reins and mounting and dismounting. With these fundamentals learned, the rider progresses from walking the horse to posting the trot and sitting the canter, and the action drawings illustrate especially well the discussions of movements and positions in the saddle at all gaits.

Anyone considering buying a horse should read the excellent last chapter, which contains many valuable tips on selecting and purchasing a horse and its "basic wardrobe" and on boarding it or caring for it at home. Especially helpful are the discussions of the expenses the owner should expect to incur once the horse is his -the initial price is only the beginning.

The detailed drawings executed by artist Sam Savitt add to the understanding of the text.