Exploring the many facets of the practice of riding horses, this guide focuses on the physical, financial, and emotional goals that a person must aspire to in order to excel at the sport. Personal drive, life circumstances, support networks, knowledge, physical skill, character traits, and the horse are some of the factors that can contribute to a rider’s success.

This guide examines these elements and offers insights on improving those skills that can be honed and accept those that cannot. Featuring personal anecdotes and interviews with 25 top competitive riders in the United States, this examination of what it takes to be a great rider gives readers concrete ideas and plans for achieving personal riding goals.

Denny Emerson is an eventer, a trainer, a coach, and an activist who has achieved the United States Eventing Association’s Wofford Cup for lifetime service to eventing. A former member of the United States Equestrian Team, he is also a regular contributor to the Chronicle of the Horse, an equestrian magazine. He lives in Strafford, Vermont and Southern Pines, North Carolina. Sandra Cooke is an equestrian journalist who has served in various editorial roles at Practical Horseman. She lives in Winterport, Maine.