Following on from the highly acclaimed Kottas on Dressage, this new book by one of the foremost exponents of Classical dressage offers advice on the correct way to introduce work on the paces, exercises and movements, together with in-depth analysis of common problems and ways to correct them. The author makes the point that many errors are rooted in faulty posture or aiding on the rider’s part, and emphasises throughout the importance of focusing on these issues at all stages of training. Constant emphasis is also placed on the need to be mindful of the horse’s mental and physical ability to cope with what is being asked of him – there are reminders throughout that, often, the best way to achieve progress is to take a step back and ensure that the building blocks are in place that will facilitate the next step forward. The need to consider various aspects of conformation is also stressed – not all horses are perfect specimens, and the overall training of any horse will be enhanced if due consideration is given to individual characteristics. Dressage Solutions takes the reader through many stages of training, from ensuring that the basic paces are correct, through introducing the lateral exercises, developing the canter, rein-back, piaffe and passage, to a final chapter that explains some of the long-established movements of the High School. This is a journey that will provide much food for thought, and a great deal of invaluable advice, for all riders who have progress and their horse’s well-being at heart.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 176

Dimensions: 189 x 246 mm

Publication Date: 31-05-2014

The perfect gift for the imperfect Shot! A very humourous collection of experiences, faux pas and misdemeanours in the shooting field with anecdotes and tales of many light-hearted incidents from throughout the world. It gives some novel excuses for pickers-up who have failed to find their quarry. In similar vein, during the author’s years as a gamekeeper, it was often necessary to think on the hoof and deliver a plausible reason as to why a particular drive didn’t go exactly as it should. Sometimes the explanations were so outrageous as to be laughable – which often diffused a potentially difficult situation – and on occasion, caused a comment such as, ‘I’ve never heard that one before… how did you think that one up?’ To which the author inevitably replied; ‘The Gamekeeper’s Book of Excuses… page 58’!.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 224

Dimensions: 189 x 246 mm

Publication Date: 26-06-2015

Rugby Union attracts supporters across the world to a sport that is technical, tough and skilful. The game's history is littered with competitive rivalries, outstanding matches and players that have become household names. Here's a chance for fans of the game to test their memory and recollect a famous result or outstanding moment. This book contains questions that will stretch the recollections of the most hardened trivia buff, but also has some easier challenges to make sure it's fun for every type of enthusiast.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 128

Publication Date: 17-08-2015

This expanded edition of the bestselling My Special Pony Record Book is a colourful diary-type notebook in which children can keep details about their pony and what makes them so special. There are fun-filled questions with boxes to tick and pages on which to stick photographs and/or keepsakes - or even to draw something themselves. They can record all their Pony Club rallies, competition entries at shows, and jot down how well they did. There is also space to write about lessons and training so they can remind themselves of their improvements. A checklist section has also been included on how to look after their pony and there are pages for useful addresses and contact details such as their vet and farrier as well as practical checklists for worming dates, farrier visits, etc. This is a book suitable for any pony-mad child from small to teenage, that will become a personal record of their special pony which can be dipped into and treasured for years.

Bind: stationery

Pages: 96

Dimensions: 175 x 210 mm

Lungeing and Long-Reining is a step-by-step guide to training, exercising and suppling horses from the ground, written by Britain’s leading exponent of the art. Published in association with The British Horse Society the book begins with advice on handling untrained youngsters and works through a logical training progression, culminating in advanced dressage movements. Straightforward guidance is given on: Training foals and young horses Lungeing equipment and technique Introducing long-reins and early lateral work Backing and riding young horsesLungeing over poles and fences Advanced long-reining – including cantering, rein-back, shoulder-in, travers, half pirouettes, half-pass, renvers, canter half-pass, canter pirouettes and tempi flying changes Piaffe and passage Olympic dressage rider and trainer Jennie Loriston-Clarke has broken and schooled countless dressage and jumping horses, and initially uses lungeing and long-reining to establish the horse’s basic education and create mutual respect between horse and handler. The knowledge she has gained over the years while working with novices and older ‘difficult’ horses sent for retraining, is distilled in this book into simple instructions, so that others can avoid making costly mistakes when training their horses. The goal throughout is to produce a horse that is confident, keen and happy in his work – which should be the aim of every trainer. Illustrated with specially commissioned sequence photographs, this book will prove particularly valuable in the early training of young horses, as well as in improving or retraining older horses, and refining dressage movements in advance horses.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 112

Dimensions: 210 x 260 mm

Publication Date: 30-06-2015

The object of Dressage is the harmonious development of the physique and ability of the horse. As a result it makes the horse calm, supple, loose and flexible, but also confident, attentive and keen, thus achieving perfect understanding with his rider.' Inspired by the time-honoured traditions of the Classical World, Sylvia's desire to protect the horse is reflected in her training methods, which concentrate on a balanced seat and quiet aiding. She abhors the use of force and gadgetry in the schooling of horses and believes that Classical riding is the best way forward for all the disciplines. The Language of the Aids is not as well understood today as it should be and it seems that it is frequently forgotten or fragmented, and it will be the horse that suffers most when this happens. Incorrect aiding can have a very adverse effect. The aim of The Balanced Horse is to confirm in people's minds what they should be doing for each and every request, and what they must avoid. Every instruction is based on what the horse needs to feel – at that moment in time. Each aid is based on the psychological and physiological effect placed on that sensitive animal underneath us. Over time, applying each aid correctly can elicit a response as instant and involuntary as the knee jerk reaction in our own.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 224

Dimensions: 189 x 246 mm

With clear and precise illustrations The Novice Rider's Companion explains riding techniques and principles. Its aims are to help the novice to think about their ridiing - why they should or shouldn't do certain things. It looks at the importance of riding techniques and principles that may get mentioned only in passing during lessons; answers questions that may only occur to the pupil at a time when the instructor is not available to answer them; and deals with some common misconceptions and misunderstandings. The Novice Rider's Companion will help pupils to become active, thinking and enquiring riders rather than just mere passengers!

Bind: paperback

Pages: 164

Dimensions: 192 x 250 mm

Polo, horse-racing, show jumping, endurance riding, ploughing, pit ponies, mounted police, carriage driving: all these different activities require different tack. Paula Sells shows how the tack used in 27 different disciplines has become specialised for each. She describes the tack rooms and their contents, conversations with the owners and the history, current status and challenges of each discipline. Each tack room has been selected for its importance in the discipline it represents: Badminton House (Duke of Beaufort's Hunt); the Household Cavalry; the dressage, eventing and racing tack rooms of Carl Hester, Mary King and Andrew Balding. Tack rooms are treasure houses of traditional and innovative modern craftsmanship. The wide range of tack they hold reflects its evolution through our social history and the changing partnerships with horses in modern culture.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 256

Dimensions: 216 x 276 mm

Publication Date: 20-09-2018

The second volume in our foundation series develops the skills for our aspiring equestrians, building on improving efficiency, depth of knowledge and understanding of horse knowledge and care, lungeing for exercise, with horse riding skills progressing to show jumping. A great addition to any aspiring equestrian, this book also provides the recommended reading for the British Horse Society Stage 2 qualification in horse care, riding and teaching.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 300

Publication Date: 31-08-2017

An easy to digest guide to conditioning, injury prevention and management of sport horses, that has not been previously available. While most books on riding and equine training focuses on developing technical skills in horses and riders, this book concentrates on training physiology, conditioning and management, including strategies to prevent equine injury. It presents advice from some of the world’s renowned top riders and equine vets on keeping the competition horse sound and motivated, supported by findings from scientific equine and sports research, and examples from the careers of top horses and riders. The aim is to pass on well substantiated advice on how as a rider one can help the horse to perform, and how to develop the horse’s physical strength and fitness.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 160

Dimensions: 190 x 240 mm

Publication Date: 21-08-2017