Bücher von James Fillis

This historical guide to horse training contains sixty-two illustrations, helping the reader understand the author's instructions.Published at the beginning of the 20th century, Breaking and Riding details at length the process of training horses for professional riding; the assessments of temperament and physical traits of the animal afford the reader great understanding. Chapters discuss such subjects as making the horse feel at ease with its rider, creating an emotional bond that stands the test of time and the stresses of work, and making sure the horse does not develop bad habits or become ill-tempered.The finer points of horse behavior, such as the manner in which the animal jumps, canters and gallops, are accompanied by photographs and drawings. Several of Fillis's unique methods for inducing good behavior whilst on horseback are also pictured, along with pictures demonstrating common errors in riding posture and improper use of the reins.James Fillis published this account late in life, after a career working with horses which spanned several decades. He wanted riders young and experienced alike to benefit from what he learned. Although some of what Fillis recommends is outdated to modern equestrians, his writings are nevertheless acknowledged to this day for advancing and formalizing aspects of equestrianism. The translator, Matthew Hayes, praises the author and mentions his tutoring experience in some of Europe's finest riding schools.

James Fillis' (1834-1913) contribution to the development of dressage as we know it today cannot be overlooked. Fillis was a pupil of François Caron, who was a direct pupil of François Baucher. Fillis also studied with Victor Franconi. Fillis was widely revered and respected by his contemporaries as a master horse trainer. There are simple truths that James Fillis expressed very clearly in his first French language text, Principes de dressage et d'equitation. This text, translated by M. H. Hayes was given the title: Breaking and Riding. Today, the term 'breaking' is not looked upon with favor in the equestrian community. Notwithstanding the good intentions of Mr. Hayes, in this unique edition, Xenophon Press has used the exact literal translation of the original French title hence our edition is entitled: Principles of Dressage and Equitation. In fairness to M. H. Hayes, the Duke of Newcastle defined 'Break' as follows:"to break a horse in trotting, is to make him light upon the hand by trotting, in order to make him fit for a gallop. To break a horse for hunting, is to supple him, to make him take the habit of running." In the original French text, where Fillis used the term dressage to refer to basic training, we have used the term 'training' instead of 'breaking.' And, where Fillis used the term dressage to refer to haute école, we have used the term 'dressage' instead of 'breaking.' These re-translations are closer to Fillis' original meaning.Our re-titled text with direct translations of the original French content sheds new positive light on Fillis' historically important magnum opus. Our fully footnoted edition is richly annotated and contains all the additional material from the authoritative J. A. Allen edition by exclusive permission granted to Xenophon Press. We are especially grateful for the proofreading of Brenner Klenzman in this edition.This exclusive edition of Principles of Dressage and Equitation is the only edition available both in print and as an e-book.