THE number of books and publications devoted to horses and riding must be legion. In fact, the subject is up there with gardening when it comes to filling the bookshelves.

But if you had to make the choice of just one to buy, which book would it be?

The question has been made simpler by the publication this month of the British Horse Society Riding Manual.

This is being touted as "the ultimate guide to being able to enjoy riding safely and confidently".

It is not a vet's rundown of the various and many ailments that might or might not affect your horse or pony, although there is a chapter called Looking after your horse', which gives sound and basic advice on day-to-day care.

But if you're looking for something to tell you how to tackle a fit of colic or treat pus in the foot, you will need something else.

However, as a comprehensive guide to the art of riding, right from novice to advanced, it is superb.

I know riding skills are most effectively imparted by a riding instructor. The idea of trotting around an indoor school with a horse underneath you and a book in one hand, is not really on.

But what this book does, is provide you with information you can digest at your leisure either before or after your lesson.

"Oh, that's what she was on about," you can say afterwards.

The book has been written by Margaret Linington-Payne, who is director of standards at the BHS and a qualified instructor with a wide range of knowledge and experience in teaching and learning techniques. Although she now specialises in dressage, Margaret has competed in showjumping and eventing too, so has a thorough across-the-board grounding in all types of riding.

She takes the complete novice through a step-by-step progression from how to choose a suitable riding school - not always as easy as it sounds - through the basics of riding and on to more advanced disciplines.

Obviously, depending on your experience, you start the book at the stage that suits you.

There are also valuable chapters on stable management and how to look after a horse, because even if you don't aspire to own your own, an appreciation of what goes into caring for the animal you ride down at the local livery yard is always a good thing.

When you've spent a few hours mucking out, you realise what a bind it is. Although, to quote the old phrase, someone's got to do it, just as they have to clean the horse, feed it and clean the tack. Horses don't wait happily in a garage for a week until you decide to take them for their next ride. It's a daily grind.

But the starting point is buying that first riding hat or pair of jodhpurs. Ones that fit too, as this book explains.

It would be wise to read it before you begin the journey.

The British Horse Society Riding Manual is published by Collins, priced £16.99.