The Complete Guide to Horseback Riding

I've been 'thinking about' riding for two years and this finally gave me a reality check. The cost breakdown in Chapter 4 was exactly what I needed — I had no idea lessons were $60-$80 where I live, and the budget tiers helped me see I could start with just helmet and boots. Chapter 1 did a great job of describing the actual feel of riding, not just the dream. Knocked off a star because I'd have liked even more detail on what to look for in a good barn, but overall a solid reality check before I book my first lesson.

It's a decent overview but felt a little too basic for me. I've been out on trail rides a handful of times and was looking for something to push me to the next level. Chapter 6's session walkthrough was interesting for a total novice, but I already knew most of what was in there. The honest talk about cost is fair — my lessons are $70 and that matched. If you're literally starting from zero with no horse experience, this is great. I just needed more advanced guidance.

This is the book I wish I had before I booked my first lesson. I was terrified of being judged for my age (I'm 42) and fitness level (not great), and Chapter 2's self-assessment sheet asked exactly the right questions — I sat down with a cup of coffee and answered honestly, and it confirmed I could do this. Chapter 3's gear table saved me from dropping $200 on stuff I didn't need yet. I brought my borrowed helmet to my first lesson last week feeling prepared instead of clueless. Worth every penny.

Useful info but dry in a few spots. I appreciated the honest cost estimates in Chapter 4 because the barns I called wouldn't give me straight answers, and the FAQ in Chapter 8 was helpful. But the tone sometimes felt like a friend explaining things, then a textbook, and back again — inconsistent. Also the reviews list says 'no vague inspirational filler' but the long blurb contradicts that a little. Overall: good facts, decent structure, but I wouldn't call it a page-turner.

Lifesaver for a total city person like me. I've never even touched a horse, and I had no idea what to expect — this guide walked me through everything from 'what does tack even mean' to 'which helmet should I buy for under $80'. Chapter 6 made me feel like I'd already done a session, so when I finally did my first lesson, I wasn't shocked by the physical demands or the smell of the barn. The honest reality check in Chapter 2 about time commitment stopped me from quitting a week in because I knew what to expect. Now I'm three months in and obsessed.

Great honest guide for anyone on the fence. The cost tables were realistic — my area is on the higher end and this matched. I really appreciated the admission in Chapter 1 that riding uses muscles you don't know you have, and the suggestion in Chapter 2 to do a few strength workouts first. My core was sore for days after my first lesson and I wished I'd read this more carefully. Only giving 4 stars because I'd have liked more photos or diagrams to accompany the gear chapter — a helmet is not just a helmet, and a picture of a bridle would have helped this visual learner.

Bought this for my daughter who's been begging for lessons, but ended up reading it myself. The self-assessment in Chapter 2 was great for helping us both decide what we could realistically commit time-wise — she's in school sports, and the guide's honesty about the weekly time requirement made us schedule lessons for summer instead of trying to cram them in now. I also appreciated the budget tiers in Chapter 3; we're a middle-budget family and it was good to see what was worth splurging on (a proper helmet) versus what could wait (riding boots). She's starting in June, now fully prepared.