7 Best-Selling Horse Riding Books Millions Love

What started as Sally Swift's personal quest to harmonize rider and horse led to a teaching method that reshaped how many approach riding. Centered Riding explores body awareness with unique imagery—like envisioning yourself as a spruce tree rooting deeply and growing upward—to cultivate balance, breathing, and a relaxed connection with the horse. You’ll gain insights into both human and equine anatomy that help break through tension and frustration, allowing smoother, more natural riding positions. Whether you're just starting or competing at high levels, this approach invites you to rethink habits and ride with greater comfort and precision.

Francois Lemaire de Ruffieu draws on his extensive experience as a master horseman to deliver a guide that’s as instructive as it is accessible. You’ll find detailed, illustrated instructions covering a broad spectrum of riding disciplines, from dressage to steeplechase, making it clear how to refine your technique regardless of skill level. The book breaks down complex movements into manageable steps, with chapters dedicated to essential skills like mounting, posture, and control. Whether you’re just starting out or seeking to polish advanced skills, this handbook offers a straightforward path to improving your connection with your horse and your confidence in the saddle.

This tailored book explores proven techniques to enhance rider posture and harmony in horse riding, focusing on your unique background and goals. It examines the subtle balance between rider and horse, revealing how posture, alignment, and communication create a seamless connection. By integrating widely valued knowledge with your personal interests, the book addresses how to cultivate physical awareness and emotional attunement with your horse. You’ll discover exercises and concepts that build confidence, improve balance, and foster harmony during every ride. This personalized approach ensures you engage deeply with material that matches your experience, making your journey toward rider-horse unity both enjoyable and effective.

Robert W. W. Miller's extensive experience in Western horsemanship shapes this detailed guide on training young horses. You’ll find clear explanations of foundational techniques, from the initial bridling to teaching a horse to turn on the rearhand, all essential skills for developing a well-mannered Western riding horse. The book delves into horse behavior, helping you understand what drives their reactions and how to communicate effectively. This makes it especially useful if you're starting out with a young horse or aiming to refine your training methods with practical, behavior-based insights. While it’s tailored to Western riders, its principles offer valuable lessons for anyone interested in horse training.

Charlene Strickland’s extensive experience as a veteran trainer shines through in this hands-on guide to Western riding. She walks you through the essentials, from handling horses safely to mastering foundational riding techniques, while also touching on practical aspects like choosing the right tack and competition attire. The book’s strength lies in its balance of clear instruction and genuine enthusiasm, making it accessible whether you’re stepping into the saddle for the first time or sharpening your skills. If you want a solid introduction that prepares you not just for the ring but also for trail rides, this book offers a grounded, straightforward approach without unnecessary complexity.

Lee Ziegler's decades of dedication to gaited horses across North America and Europe led to this detailed exploration of training and riding these unique breeds. You learn how to recognize and cultivate various gaits—from the running walk to the saddle rack—while emphasizing gentle, humane methods that prioritize the horse's natural movement and comfort. The book dives into equine anatomy, gait identification, and practical techniques for training everything from foals to show horses transitioning to pleasure riding. If you ride or train gaited horses and want to deepen your understanding with methods proven over 30 years, this book will speak directly to your needs.

This tailored book offers a focused journey into Western riding fundamentals, designed to match your background and goals for rapid skill development. It explores essential riding techniques, safety practices, and foundational horsemanship, building confidence and competence step-by-step. The personalized content centers on your interests, ensuring you engage deeply with aspects that matter most to your progress. By combining widely validated Western riding knowledge with your unique learning needs, this book reveals how to develop solid riding skills efficiently. It guides you through practical exercises and safety considerations that promote quick yet steady advancement in Western horsemanship.

Unlike most horse riding books that focus solely on training techniques, Nancy S. Loving draws on her extensive veterinary expertise and competitive experience to explore the physiological needs of the equine athlete. You’ll learn how to maintain cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, and musculoskeletal health in your horse, with detailed chapters on everything from hoof care to digestive function. This book is ideal if you want to understand not just how to ride but how to keep your horse in peak condition for any discipline, whether casual riding or high-level competition. The inclusion of over 500 color photographs and thousands of index entries makes it both an informative study guide and a practical reference.

When Audrey Pavia first realized how daunting horseback riding can be for beginners, she crafted this guide to demystify the sport. Drawing from her experience as a medal-winning equestrian and respected trainer, she breaks down complex skills like cueing a horse to trot or lope and balancing in the saddle into approachable lessons. You’ll learn how to choose the right gear, find a good instructor, and build trust with your horse. This book suits anyone eager to start riding, whether for fun or competition, offering clear guidance on everything from warming up muscles to entering horse shows.