The title of Gordon Wright's most famous book -- Learning to Ride, Hunt and Show – seems to offer an ambitious promise. How can a 128-page work of non-fiction possibly explore the vast world of horsemanship with any degree of depth? After reading just a few pages, however, it becomes clear that with concise wording and careful selection of topics, Gordon Wright can easily make good on his pledge.
Learning to Ride From the Master
Learning to Ride, Hunt, and Show teaches the reader the fundamentals of horsemanship, from grooming to horse selection, to mastering each of the basic gaits. Wright explores beginner, intermediate and advanced jumping, as well as the art of riding a course, in four easily digestible parts: "The Horse," "The Rider," "Jumping" and "Advanced Horsemanship."
Gordon Wright, famous foxhunter and Show Jumping Hall-of-Famer, first published Learning to Ride, Hunt, and Show in the 1960s, and from that first volume to the 2009 text published by Skyhorse Publishing, little changes. Other than George Morris's introduction and several insertions by other horsemen, this book offers the same timeless advice.
Unlike most horseback riding books and manuals, Gordon Wright manages to inject into his prose pearls of wisdom that transcend mere instruction. Rather than simply giving the reader step-by-step directives on how to accomplish this task or that movement, he supplements his timeless advice with bits and pieces of philosophy.
"Try to avoid having a negative attitude," Wright advises riding instructors in his chapter on Learning How to Learn. "By this I mean, add to what the pupil already has, instead of trying to start all over again."
This might be the difference between learning to ride from just anyone and learning to ride from a man like Gordon Wright. His love of horses and his devotion to horsemanship show through on every page of Learning to Ride, Hunt, and Show, giving the reader a sense of confidence in every word.
More Than Just Text
One of the main benefits of Learning to Ride, Hunt, and Show is that in addition to the text itself, numerous diagrams are offered to illustrate each segment. Since horseback riding is just as much about experiencing and visualizing as learning terminology and function, the diagrams create a new dimension and help readers to connect with Wright's instructions.
The reader is shown how to sit a horse, how to post the trot and how to break down over fences. There are diagrams of confirmation and turns on the forehand and apply proper aids. This is immensely helpful not only in understanding the material, but applying it later on.
A Crescendo of Information
Learning to Ride, Hunt, and Show is a well-thought-out riding manual designed to slowly guide riders from basic horsemanship to advanced schooling. The material becomes increasingly complex as Gordon Wright delves into the strategy behind effective communication between horse and rider.
However, unlike many horseback riding books on the market, Wright's guide does not try to become something it is not. Every segment of the book feels evenly weighted, giving the reader just enough information to whet his appetite and encourage him to explore the topics more fully with an instructor or trainer.
This is not a book that will allow a novice to jump on a horse and suddenly master the art of riding. Instead, it provides practical, useful information that will inform any rider's career from beginner lessons to advanced competition.
Foxhunter and Show Jumper Perspective
Learning to Ride, Hunt, and Show is written by a foxhunter and a Show Jumping Hall of Fame rider (inducted 1994), but the advice found in its pages is consistent and valuable for riders of all disciplines. Gordon Wright's chosen discipline is evident in much of his theory, but riders can take what they need from the text and apply it accordingly.
For example, his advice on position in the saddle is obviously meant for foxhunter, hunter and show jumping riders, but with minor tweaks the rider in the diagrams could easily be sitting western pleasure or dressage. These details do not detract from the overall work, but serve to bring it to life.
Riders should read Learning to Ride, Hunt, and Show in the spirit in which it was meant. Using the strategies and philosophies of a time-honored foxhunter and horseman, riders can improve their understanding of the horse and forge greater connections with these wondrous creatures.
Source:
Wright, Gordon. (2009). Learning to Ride, Hunt, and Show. New York, NY: Skyhorse Publishing. ISBN: 978-1-60239-726-2.
The author received a free review copy of Learning to Ride, Hunt, and Show from Skyhorse Publishing.
Laura Thompson - Laura Thompson is a horseback riding instructor and freelance writer living in Houston, Texas. She is proud to be the feature writer for ...
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