50 5-Minute Fixes to Improve Your Riding

This is already becoming standard equipment for the tack room. I've taken it to the barn so I can have it close by, ready to leaf through as I come upon different areas I want to work on. The size of the book makes it easy to hold and the information is easy to reference. The writing style is friendly (no long flowery sentences here!!), written by someone with years of practical experience, and is filled with facts and tips. Organization is by body areas, and it's set up so you can skip around thru the book to "customize" your practices. Like other materials written by Wendy Murdoch, this is concise, organized, useful and immediately applicable. In fact, as I type this review, I'm using one of the book's exercises to find the "sweet spot" between over-arched and over-rounded back/shoulder position. Yep, you can do lots of these quick tips at the barn, at home, in the car (safely of course!!) and they benefit your body, your riding, and (most important to me) your horse.One wish is that the book had been wire-bound so I could get it to lie flat, but that is a very very minor thing (an old horseshoe works well to keep pages flat when you're trying to read while sitting on a hay bale in front of the barn fan)Another wish is that more and more people read this book, show it to their riding instructors and friends, and get together and PRACTICE this stuff!! Video tape your "befores" and "afters" help each other and help your horses. It's great reading, but the greatest thing is what happens when you DO these exercises. I'm already seeing results, and that's saying a lot for an over 50 rider who is recovering from radiation-surgery (yep, no lie...radiation for a non malignant brain tumor that destroyed a lot of my balance). Wendy's book has been the perfect adjunct to my balance therapy exercises, and is helping me make the small, steady steps that let me ride again in a safe manner. For me, truly life changing as I learn to use my body in new ways as I ride the walk, trot, etc.My final wish--to one day participate in a clinic with Wendy. As my balance improves (thanks to this book in large part) I hope to get to that point. I know it's certainly possible..one Murdoch Minute (and 50 5-minutes fixes!) at a time.

Lots of interesting ideas in this book. But 2 have changed my riding for the better in a big way. I have ankle pain (previously sprained & broken) Her last tip relates to how some people position their feet in the stirrups which causes stress to the ankle. I saw that picture and thought, whoa, that is what I do! Wow. In one ride my ankle stopped hurting. Thank you Wendy. The second one: I am thin and always thought I needed a narrow twist saddle. Wendy points out that thin people often don't have good thigh contact, especially with a narrow twist. Bottom line, I tried a wider twist in a saddle and am SO much more secure. Unbelievable. If you have something that is difficult for you, Wendy may have a solution in this book.

I was greatly impressed with Ms. Murdoch's ability to transform all 50 lessons into a concise learning experience, cognitively and physically. Evey time I have a stumbling block in my riding I return to the lessons and find new clarity in my position and use of the aids.I found this book well organized with great instructional dialog and anatomically correct diagrams. It will benefit all riders, of all disciplines, at all levels of training! Enjoy and ride on for Better Position and Performance in 50 5- Minute Fixes!

I bought this book so I could have a more detailed explination on how to use the Murdoch equi-band to help with leg position. There are some very helpful tips in it, but some of it seems to be a rehash of Sally Swift's "Centered Riding"

This is an excellent book for anyone who wants to improve their riding. Wendy Murdoch gives clear, easy to understand descriptions, with photos that display exactly what she is teaching. A definite must have book.

I thought that this book had some great tips and tricks available. Probably most appropriate for the beginner to intermediate rider. Easy to look up specific issues that you are working on and sometimes it is just that minor adjustment that makes a huge difference.

Wendy has followed the basic Keep It Simple principle to excellent effect! Written descriptions as well as photographs are easy to follow, and can be used individually or in conjunction with other fixes. References to other exercises that may be associated with a specific problem are very helpful. This is a book I will turn to time and again, for my own riding or to help others.

I do like how this book addresses every area. I would have liked more exercises like certain stretches that help your body to be able to ride correctly. Most of the solutions involve a physical devise. The exercises given just seem to promote an awareness rather than strengthening, so the correction can be performed.

all good as usal

What I really liked is that not only Wendy outline the problem, but she gives several practical advides in order to fix it, with clera indications.I think there is an snswer for everyone.

good

well written book, some useful tips, ideal for reference