A Classic Work on the Training of Horse and Rider by Lt. Col. Agoston L. d'Endrody

Many masters of horsemanship have studied horses and riding over the last centuries, but few have given the subject greater consideration than Agoston d'Endrdy.

In preparing this book, he gave considerable thought to the practical principles of riding and to the process of becoming a good rider. And he explains why horses perform more or less successfully according to whether they are mounted by a talented rider or by one of limited natural abilities.

In Give Your Horse a Chance, his goal is to reduce the disparity between these two divisions of riders by carefully delineating the processes of good riding and training. The first part of the book explains the proper development of horse and rider so that both learn to enjoy their work. The latter part offers excellent, concise training advice for combined training and show jumping.

Lt. Col. d'Endrody was a member of the Hungarian Olympic Three-Day Event Team, a member of the Hungarian International Show Jumping Team, and a champion race rider.

(hardcover, photos, illustrations, 544 pgs.)



Excerpt from the book:

In every branch of sport, whether it is practiced in competitions or just as a pleasant pastime, skilful performance always requires great perseverance in both study and practice. The novice rider is no exception to this rule. He must, in fact, be doubly assiduous, since his endeavor concerns not only himself, but also his mount. He also has to know how to care for his horse. Therefore, the time in which riding, in its real sense, can be mastered is considerably longer than that of any other sport.

Good riding does not mean merely the ability of a rider to sit "safely" on hi shores. It involves some deeply rooted principles which are of basic importance in handling and educating the animal. Good riding starts at the stage when the rider can properly influence the horse to obey his will, when he know show to aid it in overcoming difficulties, how to correct a mistake it has made, and how to overcome its opposition in a constructive manner. Furthermore, it is necessary for the good rider to understand how to use the animal most economically and with the utmost safeguard of its physical fitness, especially when his demands strain the horse to the limit of its abilities.

There are not "tricks" in riding, only knowledge which has been acquired by hard work carried out with great care. This applies equally to the rider and the horse. "Tricks" have no place in the art of riding, since in moments of crisis, when effective action is most needed, the superficial "tricks" never succeeds.