Sandy Ransford worked in publishing for many years before becoming a full-time writer. She is now the prolific author of over 30 books for children, including many titles on horses and riding, dogs and conservation. She lives in the countryside near Welshpool in Wales with her horse, two ponies, two pygmy goats, cats and two sheep, a kitten - oh, and her husband as well! Bob Langrish has been taking pictures of the world's most handsome horses and ponies for nearly 30 years, and has been the sole photographer for about 60 equestrian books. He lives in the centre of horse country in the Cotswolds, England.

Before you start; why have riding lessons?; where to learn; clothes to wear; types of pony; your pony's tack; saddles and girths; bridles and bits; tacking up; putting on a bridle; western tack; first lessons; meeting your pony; getting to know a pony; mounting; dismounting; how to sit in the saddle; the aids; on the lunge or leading rein; walking on; turning left and right; learning to trot; canter on; western riding; riding school work; riding in a group; exercises in the school; without stirrups and reins; exercises in the saddle; your first jumping lessons; fun and games; road safety; riding out; ready to move on.