David and Karen O'Connor on Basic Horsemanship

My mother, who grew up in the wilds of Mexico, used to say, “it's as easy as riding a horse,” which may be more of a rural adage, since for us “city folk” horseback riding generally proves to be a more daunting task. In this engaging, helpful and comprehensive three-part series (with individual titles also available separately), David and Karen O'Connor take viewers from a basic understanding of equine psychology to a primer in show jumping. In the first volume, David demonstrates--off mount in a ring--how to communicate with a horse by using application and release of pressure on a lunge line, while the second volume features both David and Karen applying the same principles mounted on horseback on flat ground, while further exploring the relationship between rider and horse. In the final volume, the O'Connors, joined by four students, tackle single jumps, demonstrating how to work with the natural movement of the horse. Filmed on location at the O'Connors' beautiful farm, both the image and audio qualities are surprisingly good, especially considering that the programs were shot entirely outdoors. Sure to be popular with equine enthusiasts (not to mention potential new fans riveted by Laura Hillenbrand's recent bestseller Seabiscuit: An American Legend), this is definitely recommended. Aud: C, P. (L. Stevens)