Centered Riding is not a style of riding as are dressage, hunter seat, or Western. Rather, it is a way of reeducating a rider’s mind and body to achieve greater balance in order to better communicate with the horse. Founder Sally Swift revolutionized riding by showing that good use of the human body makes a world of difference on horseback. Early in her work, she established what she calls the “Four Basics” — centering, breathing, soft eyes, and building blocks—which, together with grounding, are the main tenets of her method. When a rider learns and maintains these basics, then harmony between horse and human is possible. Sally Swift’s first book, Centered Riding, made its revolutionary appearance in 1985 and continues as one of the best-selling horse books of all time. This second book doesn't replace the first one, it complements it. In the intervening years, Centered Riding continued to evolve, and Sally inevitably developed many new concepts and fresh imagery, all of which are presented here.

Widely known for her innovative teaching philosophy stressing body awareness, the value of "soft eyes," proper breathing, centering, and balance, Sally Swift has been a pioneering riding instructor for half a century. In book form for the first time, her methods enable horse and rider to achieve harmony, working together naturally, without pain. Unlike traditional teachers, Sally Swift does not believe in forced training techniques that cause stiff bodies and tense riding. Instead, through the use of vivid, unusual, and highly creative images that transcend mechanics ("Pretend you're a spruce tree; the roots grow down from your center as the trunk grows up"), plus a thorough knowledge of human and equine anatomy, this wise and inspiring teacher enables the conscientious equestrian to reassess habitual responses, in order to ride in natural positions, break through frustrating plateaus, and achieve ever-rising goals with comfort, vitality, and precision. Precise illustrations and photographs never before used in riding books explain anatomy and image work to give mind and body new and relaxed approaches to the inner process of riding. Centered Riding is for those with little experience all the way up to world class.

With proper training, any horse can become a great riding companion out on the trail. It's a matter of learning how to adapt your experience to your particular horse. Fully illustrated lessons in trail riding start with the differences in working with a retired jumper, an actively competing reiner, or even a natural-born trail horse. The section on riding techniques helps you use what you already know from hunter-jumper, dressage, or other experiences. Both solitary and group riding get special attention, as does handling different types of parks and paths. The full range of possible spooking challenges covers encountering animals, heavy traffic, weather, and children, as well as tripping, hoof injuries, mounting and dismounting in unusual situations, and other emergencies.

A multifaceted training system for riders and horses of all levels. Most books discuss the physical aspects of riding: horse position, rider position, use of aids, schooling exercises, and movements. Betsy Steiner, however, an international rider and trainer, believes that the physical is just one-third of the riding equation, and that two equally important vital components—the intellectual and the psychological—are often ignored. Her approach to riding and training is to use the body, mind, and spirit, all working together to create a rich experience she call gymnastic training that addresses horse and rider as the three-dimensional beings that they are. This training system is geared toward maintaining proper form and alignment—crucial for human and equine athletes alike. Progress is achieved by use of inventive gymnastic schooling exercises for the horse, and a tailored program of Pilates exercises enabling the rider to become athletic, lithe, energetic, and flexible.