April 22, 2013–A popular columnist for Practical Horseman since 2006, Olympian eventing medalist and five-time national champion Jim Wofford expertly translates classical riding principles into practical lessons for horse and rider.
In Modern Gymnastics: Systematic Training for Jumping Horses, published by Practical Horseman, Wofford details his proven methods of teaching horses to jump and improving their performance through an updated system of gymnastic exercises. Never before has there been a more comprehensive book on this important training method, which utilizes two or more obstacles set at different heights and distances.
The gymnastics are progressive, with each exercise building on earlier exercises?and all of them designed to help you and your horse realize your true potential. Regardless of your mount’s talent and experience, you will find lessons here that will make him a better jumper and you a better rider.
A regimen of these exercises will improve your and your horse’s:
– balance
– technique
– flexibility
– confidence
– fitness
Also included are chapters on rider position, selecting a suitable mount, correcting errors/ remedial training, and even training facilities. In addition, Modern Gymnastics is lavishly illustrated with photos by Practical Horseman‘s managing editor Stacey Nedrow-Wigmore and diagrams by Practical Horseman‘s art director Philip Cooper. “Whether you’re an amateur rider or a professional hunter/jumper trainer, this book is a must-have,” says its editorSandra Oliynyk, who is also editor of Practical Horseman.
“I am excited that my new book is finally ready,” said Jim. “I have revised and expanded my original book on gymnastic jumping. The color-coded diagrams and montage-style photos show the reader exactly what I mean when I describe a gymnastic, and the expert riders in the photos give the reader excellent visual role models.”
Modern Gymnastics: Systematic Training for Jumping Horses, a 109-page soft-cover book, is available for $24.95 from www.EquineNetworkStore.com.
