Learning to Ride by Piero Santini

Paperback, new.

This classic text explains every phase of riding and jumping by a horseman of vast experience and international reputation. The text is enriched with numerous photographs, drawings, and diagrams. The material presented here ought to be mastered by every beginner, while the more experienced rider will find much in these pages to improve his/her riding. This manual will also prove of great value to any instructor who wishes to condense and simplify the basic tenets of outdoor equitation for the benefit of his pupils. An entire section of the book is devoted to the riding school and methods of instruction.

Piero Santini, author of this work, was perhaps the greatest teacher of riding in the world (in 1941) and in this volume he explains in detail and in simple language the fundamental principles of Captain Federico Caprilli’s forward-seat riding. This system was first expounded in the English language by Captain Santini and brought him fame overnight. Modern riding everywhere today bears the indelible stamp of his method. This classic is a treasure that belongs in every serious rider’s working bookshelf.

Piero Santini was a devoted student and disciple of Federico Caprilli and was a well-respected author. Santini, a Major in the Italian Light Horse Cavalry, continued and advanced Caprilli’s methods through the early to mid-20th century. With an Italian father and American mother, Santini spoke and wrote English as a second language. He authored 5 books, including Learning to Ride, The Forward Impulse, and Riding Reflections and translated and edited The Caprilli Papers.

CONTENTS

Part I LEARNING TO RIDE

1. “Forward” Riding

2. The Horse and Tack

3. Mounting and Dismounting

4. The Reins and How to Hold Them

5. The Language of the Hand

6. The Leg

7. Leads and Diagonals

8. Whip and Spur

9. Gaits and Paces

10. Backing and Pulling Up

11. The Cavalletti

12. The Side Saddle

13. Jumping

14. Falling

15. Suppling and Relaxing

Part II INSTRUCTING AND THE INSTRUCTOR

16. The School or Manege

17. The Instructor

18. Pupils and Classes

19. The Assistants

Part III RULES FOR A RIDING COMPETITION

20. A Junior Cross-Saddle Competition

21. Control and Guidance Test

22. Jumping Test

APPENDIX: THE HORSE-SHOW CHILD