HAPPY HORSEMANSHIP

Beginning horsemanship for young riders with a pleasant approach to the basics and a glimpse of glories to come -- cross country riding, competitions, owning one's own horse. Examining the complicated series of muscular outrages involved in early horsemanship is no easy task, and Mrs. Pinch, using a model horse as narrator, struggles earnestly and courageously, keeping the vocabulary of movement as simple as possible. Posting --the most formidable of early obstacles -- is mercifully removed from the ONE/ two/ THREE/ four/rhythmic torture of the old school method, and, instead, is presented as a natural HORSE-generated, rather than RIDER-imposed movement. There are plenty of cautionary saws about approaching from the rear, placing bits, isolating horses from pals (although the narrating horse is the most gentlemanly creature imaginable!). In sum, sound advice to be read in dabs between visits to the stables.