Most riders concentrate endless hours on their horses: warming them up; improving their strength and stamina with gymnastic exercises; cultivating specialized diets to keep them in peak condition; and ensuring that through proper turn–out, time off, and companionship, they remain psychologically content. What is often forgotten is that the horse is half of an athletic partnership. The rider's own physical and mental fitness affects the end performance of the team, and warming up, conditioning, diet, and psychological stability apply to them as well. This highly illustrated book helps equestrians improve their own bodies and minds on the ground, so they can better perform on a horse.