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Top rated horse showing and training books

AI-generated summary · updated July 27, 2026 · verify details before purchase.

  1. Best overall

    Centered Riding 2: A Further Exploration

    4.7/5 $20-$30

    Sally Swift's classic expands on body awareness and balance techniques, highly praised for improving rider position and harmony with the horse.

    • Excellent for rider biomechanics
    • Clear illustrations
    • Improves balance and feel
    • Some concepts require practice
  2. Best for beginners

    The Manual of Horsemanship: The Official Manual of the Pony Club

    4.8/5 $15-$25

    Comprehensive guide covering stable management, riding basics, and horse care; trusted by Pony Club for decades.

    • Covers all fundamentals
    • Trusted by equestrian organizations
    • Great reference for all levels
    • Dense text
    • Few modern training insights
  3. Best for dressage

    The Principles of Riding: Basic Training for Horse and Rider

    4.6/5 $25-$35

    German National Equestrian Federation's systematic approach, focuses on classical dressage fundamentals and progressive training.

    • Systematic training progression
    • Official guidelines
    • Excellent for dressage foundation
    • Very technical
    • Not for recreational riders
  4. Best illustrated guide

    Complete Horse Riding Manual

    4.5/5 $20-$30

    DK's visual manual with step-by-step photos covering everything from mounting to advanced jumping; great for visual learners.

    • Highly visual with photos
    • Covers many disciplines
    • Easy to follow
    • Lacks depth on training
    • Some sections basic
  5. Best for natural horsemanship

    The Basics of Training a Horse: Groundwork, Driving, and Riding

    4.4/5 $18-$28

    Focuses on groundwork and gentle training methods, popular with owners starting young or rescue horses.

    • Emphasizes ground manners
    • Gentle techniques
    • Builds strong foundation
    • Not for advanced training
    • Limited riding specifics
  6. Best for problem solving

    Horse Training: The Horseman's Progressive Method (Volume 1)

    4.5/5 $25-$35

    Tommie Turvey's practical approach to correcting behavioral issues using positive reinforcement and consistency.

    • Focuses on problem behaviors
    • Positive reinforcement
    • Real-world techniques
    • Some methods controversial
    • Less applicable to competition
  7. Best for competitive riders

    Training the Horse: A Complete Guide on the Principles of Equitation

    4.4/5 $30-$40

    Charles de Kunffy's classical treatise on dressage training, emphasizing collection, impulsion, and rider feel.

    • Classical dressage depth
    • Improves rider feel
    • High-level concepts
    • Very advanced
    • Narrow focus on dressage
  8. Best bit guide

    The Ultimate Book of Horse Bits: What They Are, What They Do, and How They Work

    4.6/5 $20-$28

    Comprehensive reference on bits, their actions, and selection; essential for choosing the right bit and understanding communication.

    • In-depth bit information
    • Helps with bit selection
    • Clear explanations
    • Not about general training
    • Only covers bits

Buying advice

When choosing a horse training book, consider your current skill level and discipline. For beginners, a comprehensive manual like the Pony Club's is invaluable. For dressage enthusiasts, classical works like de Kunffy's provide depth. Recreational riders may prefer visual guides. Also, check publication dates for modern training insights.

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