An insider's guide for the amateur equestrian.
Andrea Sinner embarked on her equestrian journey at age 30 while navigating an all-consuming global consulting career. A neophyte with little to guide her but passion, she found the horse world's customs and complexities challenging. After 25 years of hard-earned lessons and continuous growth, Sinner now shares the wisdom she fought to gain along the way, with a book for adults who are newcomers to the equestrian lifestyle as she once was.
Whether riders themselves or the parents of horse-crazy children, the equestrian realm can be daunting and often perplexing to those beginning their journey with horses. Luckily, Sinner's book serves as a comprehensive insider's guide, offering a sensible pathway to enjoying the company of horses while always advocating for their welfare. Sinner's advice is clear and on point, helping readers confidently find their place among both the professionals and the lifelong enthusiasts in this unique world.
Rather than focusing on horse care or riding--topics she acknowledges are well covered in existing published works--Sinner aims to help readers integrate smoothly into the equestrian community on their own terms. She deftly demystifies the often bewildering culture, traditions, conventions, and unwritten rules, and offers "watch-outs" to help shield the novice from the less savory characters and practices that unfortunately can be encountered in the industry. You'll find advice on:
- Appreciating the unique language, relationships, and responsibilities
- Defining your values, boundaries, and objectives
- Understanding the financial costs, including (most importantly) exceptional horse care
- Finding the right barn, trainer, and horse
- Building a quality horse care team
- Being a good client and member of the barn
- Preparing for the psychological elements of the sport
- And much more
Throughout, Sinner delves into what it means to intend to "do right" by horses and guides readers on extending their involvement in the sport only as far as that intention can be realized. Learn how to form deep connections and elevate your time spent with horses and horse people from a hobby to a transformative journey. Whether taking up riding for the first time (ever, or in many years) or guiding a horse-crazy child through the maze of learning to ride, Sinner's thorough and thoughtful book promises positive experiences and happy moments in the barn, at the ring, and in the company of your horse.