The book includes everything the new rider needs to know, from where to ride and what to wear, to early lessons, hacking out and even competing. Topics covered include: how to behave around horses, with an understanding of their basic nature; mounting - getting on and off; basic position in the saddle and how to hold the reins; how to stop, go and steer; walk, trot (rising/sitting) and canter; the jumping position and polework; how to hold a whip, changing from left to right; the value of lungeing; hacking, opening gates, galloping, road work, coping with traffic; and riding etiquette.