Taking Up Riding as An Adult
by Diana Delmar

Publisher:  Storey Books
ISBN:  1580170811

"Let's make a wager, because I know I can't lose. If you love horses, you want to ride, and if you wisely select a lesson barn, I'll bet that horseback riding proves to be an immensely gratifying experience that enriches your life in ways you never thought possible". From Taking Up Riding As An Adult by Diana Delmar.

This well written book is especially aimed at adults who are considering learning to ride. The book is an excellent primer, covering all the basics. You'll find chapters on deciding which style (English or Western) is right for you, what to look for in a suitable riding school and instructor, and what to wear, with an emphasis on safety. You'll learn the advantages and disadvantages of group and private lessons and about other riding activities, such as trail riding.

A chapter on Injury Prevention and Riding Safety teaches safe ground handling and addresses the fears that some adults have in regard to riding Other chapters include easy to understand information about basic horse care, illnesses and ailments and about the different items of tack.

Given the fact that once they get hooked, many riders end up buying their own horse, Diana also includes chapters on finding the right horse for you and information about boarding options.

At the end of the book, Diana includes some other resources, including catalogs, publications and web sites which will be useful to the beginning adult rider.

The book is easy to read, with short, informative sections that don't "talk down" to beginning adults. Sidebars throughout the book contain quotes from men and women who took up riding as adults and share their experiences. The whole book is geared to showing prospective riders what an enjoyable, positive experience horseback riding can be and that you are never to old to take up riding.

The book is illustrated throughout with black and photographs by Lisa Helfert and line drawings by James E. Dyekman.

Diana Delmar is a journalist and editor, specializing in medical topics. She herself took up riding as an adult and now owns two horses.

Cindy Pierson, your Guide for Horse Racing