Schooling and Riding the Sport Horse by Paul D. Cronin (review)

In a world of quick fixes, Paul Cronin provides a complete system for training horses that takes into account the horse’s experience first. Using techniques established in the forward riding system, he gives detailed instructions on how the educated rider can specifically tailor a training program to young horses and reclaimed horses alike. Filled with stunning color photos, diagrams, and sample program rides, Schooling and Riding the Sport Horse is a step-by-step guide to producing a calm and athletic equine partner.

This book is geared toward experienced riders and professional trainers; it is not a beginner’s guide to riding. It is a very valuable tool to be used with young horses starting off in training. With clear definitions of key concepts, Cronin is able to make sure everyone is on the same page before proceeding to training techniques. He also makes clear distinctions between forward riding and classical dressage movements. There has been cross-over of dressage terms to America hunter/jumper training that confuses the purpose of having “connected forward balance with ground-covering, efficient strides” (5). The history of forward riding is explained, paying credit to masters such as Frederico Caprilli, Col. H. D. Chamberlin, and Capt. Vladimir S. Littauer.

Schooling and Riding the Sport Horse makes a valuable text for any experienced horse person who wants to get back to the roots of why we train horses: to have a lasting partnership that benefits both the horse and rider. Cooperation of the horse through consistency and proper use of riding aids (legs, hands, voice, and weight) will lead to a well-adjusted horse that enjoys working with its rider. This book is also a great tool for teaching the rider accustomed to experienced horses how to get into the psyche of the young horse. Cronin is diligent about reminding the rider that, even if an exercise seems boring to him or her, it is the horse’s education that is most important.

The forward riding system Cronin lays out is broken into seven schooling periods with the ultimate goal of competition after the seven-to-ten-month program is complete. Exercises are tailored to the hunter and jumper, but the first five schooling periods are useful for training horses intended for other disciplines as well.

Cronin takes a softer approach to riding and training young horses than many. His methods never lose sight of the ethical treatment of our equine partners: never punishing a horse that reacts out of fear, slowing down and returning to simpler exercises when the horse becomes stressed, and keeping the young horse’s mental and physical stamina in mind. These principles are essential to the successful training of the equine athlete.

The humane treatment of the horse is the number-one priority for this training method. Although a discussion of abuse is a valuable topic, I found the placement of it tucked into the end of the seventh schooling period quite peculiar. By presenting this section at the end, he is able to sell his program to even the roughest hand and then convince them that their ways need to be softened.

One of the highlights of this book is the hunter exercises for teaching horses to be comfortable around other horses while still listening to their rider’s aids. Even horses that compete individually need to know how to be respectful of other horses in the schooling and warm- up rings at horse shows. Another valuable aspect Cronin incorporates throughout the book is horse conformation ideals. With the use of pictures and drawings, the author provides knowledge about how the skeletal and muscular makings of the horse affect its performance. Without getting too technical, he is able to give basic conformation tips for evaluating horses to buy or train.

Schooling and Riding the Sport Horse inspires riders to take great care in training their horses and always to be consistent. It is the kind...