Associations
American Riding Instructors Association (ARIA): promotes safe, knowledgeable riding instruction and encourages instructors to attend its instructor certification program. ARIA also maintains a directory of ARICP-certified riding instructors. Phone: 941-948-3232.

American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC): founded in 1972, AERC is the governing body for long-distance riding in North America. Phone: 530-823-2260.

Back Country Horsemen of America: non-profit corporation dedicated to preserving the right to use recreational stock in the backcountry. The group also does a great deal of volunteer trail work. Phone: 888-893-5161.

Schools
Look under "Riding Academies" in your telephone book for local riding schools. If possible, select one that offers lessons in trail riding in addition to arena work.

Books
Horses for Dummies, by Audrey Pavia
The Handbook of Riding Essentials, by Francois Lemaire De Ruffieu
Horse Lovers Vacation Guide, by Lynne Johnson

Magazines
Equine Athlete: mostly concerned with equine sports medicine, it also features regular articles on preventative health care, feed, and nutrition to keep the equine athlete up to date.
Horse Illustrated: no, there isn't a swimsuit edition. Instead, Horse Illustrated features equine training (Western and English), equine products, riding hints, health, nutrition, behavior, and breeding, with a different breed profiled each month.
Horse and Rider: performance horsemen and women provide practical tips on Western-style horseback riding.
The Trail Rider: an American recreational horse rider's magazine.