“Grid Pro Quo” is a punny phrase nearly all eventers have come to know, thanks to the years-long column from Margaret Rizzo McKelvy, in which she interviewed top level riders about their favorite gridwork exercises for Eventing USA. All of these groundwork, grid and coursework exercises make up a newly published book by the same name – “Grid Pro Quo” – which is now available from Horse & Rider Books.
The book features 52 exercises from nearly every big name in the horse world – Boyd Martin, Sharon White, Allison Springer, Anne Kursinski, and Tim Bourke – to name a few, which apply to riders of all levels and disciplines.
I find the exercises easily laid out among the pages, with diagrams and good explanations for why this exercise will help build rideability or strength or help fix an ongoing issue. The instructions on “how” are thorough but easily digestible. Many of the exercises require little to no materials at all, and can be accomplished at any farm or in any arena or pasture.
These exercises are 100% user and ammy friendly. My favorite exercises are ones where the pro rider allows for some adjustability – where you can start with one way to accomplish the grid, but can add more to the exercise as you and your horse become comfortable and successful at it. There are hours of homework in these pages. You certainly won’t ever be bored!
“Grid Pro Quo” would make a great gift for a trainer or competitive riding friend, and is a tremendous resource to have in any tack room. These exercises stand the test of time, and will be as relevant as they are today for years to come.
Overall rating: 4.8/5 | Quality: 4.9/5 | Price point: 4.9/5
