In Look No Hands! Eric Smiley has set out to simplify the concept of going cross country. At times too much thought and analysis slows the natural responses. By explaining how both horse and rider learn, we can train the partnership to produce instinctive responses. These exercises can be conducted with minimal thought and thus produce a clear decisive response when needed.

The exercises described are simple yet can be used at all levels of riding. Poles on the ground can become jumps. The author has focussed on the rider/trainer relationship on producing a better canter and line and allowing the horse to jump the fences. By doing our homework both in the arena and in the country over small jumps, partnerships grow in confidence.

By making it fun, but challenging, we can develop the 'I can do that' attitude. This belief in the partnerships joint and individual responsibilities makes cross country fun and exciting.