The Thinking Rider is about improving performance andconfidence by using different thinking tactics such as mental imagery. The tactics can be used by anyone, from those who enjoya quiet hack in the countryside to those who compete in international events. 
The book is split into nine chapters which cover different topics, ranging from; how to develop equestrian confidence and riding with emotional control, to competition plans and equestrian success. The individual chapters discuss tactics such as setting goals that are achievable, mental imagery and how to use it (chapter 4), as well as other tactics including how negative thoughts affect riding and how to alter them (chapter 5).
The author uses personal anecdotes throughout the book to back up the points that are being made. Use of these anecdotes, not only helps to illustrate the point that the author is trying to make, but it also makes the reader feel as if they know the author. Bullet points coloured blue are also used throughout the chapters, which attract the reader’s attention, to particular useful advice.
Charlotte Taylor
BA Anthropology, University of Wales Lampeter
At the end of most chapters there is a ‘getting started’ section, which summarises the chapter and gives advice on how to achieve what has been discussed. The majority of the chapters also have a ‘general tips’ section, which builds on the getting started section and gives the reader more detailed advice. For example, in chapter 3 (Positive equestrian goals), the general tips section advises the reader on how to make achievable goals. It also gives advice for family members or instructors. The book is extremely informative and enjoyable to read. One negative aspect though, is that some terms used by the author differ to those usually seen by UK readers, such as ‘coach’ instead of ‘instructor’, which might be because the book is not written from a UK perspective. The book also lacks the academic feature of an index, but this is made up for by the very detailed contents page.
Anyone who wishes to improve their confidence in riding or their performance should read this book. As well as instructors, family members and friends who wish to help their students, children and friends improve and achieve in their desired equestrian path.
