If you know that it pays to look a gift horse in the mouth, but aren"t sure what to look for, The Horseless Rider is just the book you"re looking for. Whether you"re looking for a job in your local stables or an occasional low-cost hack, you"ll find plenty of information to get the equine experience you seek, without having to invest in the expense of ownership. Throughout the book, author Barbara Burn provides education about the general care of horses aimed at beginners. Chances are that even experienced riders will learn from reading these parts; as Burn says, "it never ceases to amaze me how many horseless riders seem to believe that horses were born with tack in place." From proper trail etiquette to approaching your first ride, Burn tells you what to expect, what to hope for, and how you can make the best of any situation. Public stables can vary greatly in quality, and she has useful tips about checking for saddle sores, matching temperament to skill level, and gathering information about a specific horse"s preferences and history. She cautions readers to be honest about their skill; anything else can lead to both embarrassment and injury. Her horse-seeking suggestions range from basics like paying for lessons to seeking a job at a public stable or riding camp. More subtle ideas involve research--you will be surprised at the number of privately owned horses in search of more exercise, once you know where to look for them. Owners are always happy to have a volunteer stall-mucker; if you"re willing to get dirty once a week, you may be well rewarded. --Jill Lightner