Look....No Hands!
In Look... No Hands! Eric Smiley has set out to simplify the concept of going cross country and this clear and concise guide with specially commissioned illustrations and photographs will be invaluable to instructors at all levels.
At times too much thought and analysis slows the natural responses. By explaining how both horse and rider learn, we can train the partnership to produce instinctive responses. These exercises can be conducted with minimal thought and thus produce a clear decisive response when needed.
As instructors and coaches we play a vital role in guiding the human and equine partnership to enjoy this experience as safely as is possible. The exercises described are simple yet can be used at all levels of riding. Poles on the ground can become jumps. The author has focussed on the rider/trainer relationship on producing a better canter and line and allowing the horse to jump the fences. By doing our homework both in the arena and in the country over small jumps, partnerships grow in confidence.
Riding across the country, whether it be hunting, eventing, hunter trials or just being out in the country is one of the most exhilarating experiences we can have with our pony or horse. There is always the sense of the excitement of the unexpected, the bigger than normal fence, the uncertainty of direction or line to be taken. To make the most of this experience it is important to understand what makes it all such fun, and for both horse/pony and rider to be prepared.
Eric Smiley FBHS
Eric was a Pony Club member from the age of 11 and progressed through the levels, gaining his B test. He then joined the Army, where he was able to ride throughout his time and where he benefited from his next great learning experience at the Royal Army Veterinary Corps at Melton Mowbray. Here the Chief Instructor, Captain Ben Jones, was his inspiration. Formerly Sergeant Ben Jones and prominent member of the British team on such horses as The Poacher, Ben opened Eric's eyes to refining new skills by being able to explain and demonstrate the 'hows and whys' he had missed in his earlier riding.
After leaving the Army he enjoyed a spell at Talland under the expert tuition of Molly Sivewright, Pammy Hutton and John Mansfield, during which time he achieved his British Horse Society's Instructor's certificate.
Eric then returned to Ireland to run an eventing centre, where he produced horses from novice to 4 star standard and was selected to represent Ireland at the European Championships. He passed his British Horse Society Fellowship Exam and has competed at European, World and Olympic level.
REVIEWS
"Eric's wealth of experience and fresh approach allows him to convey the key points like rider balance and position, tacking different obstables and competition preparation in an easily understandable way... Although this is a Pony Club publication, there is something for everyone. What elevates this book above others about cross-country is its attention to rider thought processes and psychology. Why do we ride differently at competitions than we do at home? What effect does this have on the horse and how can we overcome this? With short, digestible chapters and well thought out illustrations, it should earn its place on the bookshelves of all aspiring cross-country riders". Horse & Hound