Horses are intelligent, powerful, extraordinary animals, often admired for their captivating mix of gentility and strength. These majestic creatures have faithfully served as trained working and companion animals for centuries, yet still maintain their wild spirit. Indulging a love of horses with riding lessons, competitions, or purchasing an equine can be both exciting and daunting, but with the right information, anyone can become an expert. With detailed advice on everything from buying a horse and selecting appropriate equipment to taking lessons, riding, and competing, this beautifully illustrated book will educate any equestrain---novice, expereinced, or anywhere in between---on all aspects of becoming involved with horses. Learn to understand how horses function both physically and mentally and how to best utilize their unique traits when training, competing, or simply riding.