Book Review: “Riding for Kids” by Judy Richter
by Barbara Ellin Fox
Judy Richter’s book “Riding for Kids” is a winner in the eyes of “The Riding Instructor” because I believe it’s a book that kids will read. Other than one chapter that’s written to guide parents, this book is written to kids. Topics are explained without a lot of “to do” and with the minimum amount of words. All important issues are backed up with well done illustrations that kids will love.
Judy Richter covers the basics in an encouraging style, while at the same time she avoids insulting beginners by including beyond beginner topics; such as leg yield, half halt, flying changes, and courses. Ms Richter teaches “crest release” which is totally appropriate for this level of rider.
Chapter 1 “Getting Started” talks about dress for good and foul weather, grooming the pony, tacking up , mounting and adjusting stirrups. Ms Richter writes about things that concern kids, such as “What if my pony is too tall?”
Chapters 2 and 3 cover riding on the flat and jumping, including basic dressage, riding courses, and even the benefits of riding without a saddle.
Chapter 4 “Starting to Show” covers everything from how to do your own hair, to what to take along to the show, to the divisions to chose from and what to do after your class.
I especially like chapter 5 because in it, Judy Richter writes about the many other things that kids can do with horses, such as games and hunter trials. She introduces kids to Pony Club and 4H, as well as many of the associations.
The book ends with a good glossary of terms and phrases that kids will encounter during riding.
Judy Richter is a long time riding instructor whose students of all ages have been very successful at major horse shows. She’s also an “R” judge. She comes from a “horse family” and is a grandmother of riding granddaughters. Judy Richter is also a supporter of United States Pony Club.
Although this book was written in 2003 I think it has a timeless appeal for kids who want to ride. I particularly like the abundance of quality photos that show both the right way and the wrong way to accomplish particular goals. The pictures are thoughtful and are of children and ponies who are well turned out.
This modestly priced book is available on the internet. I found my copy at Amazon.
I call this book a winner and recommend it for kids and their parents.
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