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Breaking and riding
The return of a classic! This landmark work, first published in 1902, is finally back in print. A fundamental text in classical dressage, this information is more relevant than ever with the growth of "riding in lightness."
The legendary James Fillis details his theory and methods on a fascinating array of subjects,
-Bits and bitting
-Early training, feeding, and care of the young horse
-Lateral, direct, and indirect flexion
-Riding sidesaddle
-Horses with vices
-High school riding, including piaffe, passage, shoulder-in, two-tracking, the Spanish walk, and canter in reverse
The light and often humorous style make this a pleasant read, as well as an absorbing look back in time. Illustrated with drawings and photographs, and with a new introduction by William C. Steinkraus, this volume is a must-read for anyone interested in the development of classical dressage in the twentieth century.
The legendary James Fillis details his theory and methods on a fascinating array of subjects,
-Bits and bitting
-Early training, feeding, and care of the young horse
-Lateral, direct, and indirect flexion
-Riding sidesaddle
-Horses with vices
-High school riding, including piaffe, passage, shoulder-in, two-tracking, the Spanish walk, and canter in reverse
The light and often humorous style make this a pleasant read, as well as an absorbing look back in time. Illustrated with drawings and photographs, and with a new introduction by William C. Steinkraus, this volume is a must-read for anyone interested in the development of classical dressage in the twentieth century.
Nook
First published April 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 29, 2015
I really like the fact that JA Allen reprinted a lot of really old equitation books. They are a fascinating read, highlighting how much things change over the years - some for the good, some for the bad. But change they do!
This was written in 1902 by James Fillis, who was a top horseman of his time, with a great reputation for breaking horses. This book lays down his main principals, describing methods and aids to get the results he does, while mildly criticising the other horseman of the day.
For a modern rider, there are some stark differences between modern methods and what he employed. But his motto is "forward, always forward, and again forward!", something that I am also passionate about. If a horse does not move forward from the horses leg, then he is not correctly trained and it should be rectified with sound schooling.
Of course, a lot of things have moved on. I was fascinated to look at the pictures of him holding the reins, with both curb reins in one hand and both snaffle reins in the other (modern riders would hold the left curb and left snaffle rein in the left hand, and both right reins in the right hand). I have heard that riders used to do it, but had never had a chance to study how it was done. It seems awkward to me, but must have worked.
There were a lot of things we would no longer advocate. Most of the photos show horses with open mouths, which Fillis encourages, but which we would see as a fault or of a horse in pain. The heavy use of a curb bit was probably at fault, especially in some of the high school movements. Talking of which, most of these are familiar to today's dressage rider - the piaffe, passage, shoulder-in, etc. But why an earth would you want a horse to canter on three legs? Or turn on the haunches with one leg in the air? It all smacks a bit of the circus, which of course is where a lot of these riders showed off their skills, but trick riding is no longer considered 'equitation' as such.
So a good read, interesting and well written. Not all of it helpful, but it shows how modern techniques have developed. And I just have to leave by saying that the pictured of 'Horse and rider being drowned' is the funniest 'serious' illustration I have seen in a long time - it's worth picking up this book just for that!
This was written in 1902 by James Fillis, who was a top horseman of his time, with a great reputation for breaking horses. This book lays down his main principals, describing methods and aids to get the results he does, while mildly criticising the other horseman of the day.
For a modern rider, there are some stark differences between modern methods and what he employed. But his motto is "forward, always forward, and again forward!", something that I am also passionate about. If a horse does not move forward from the horses leg, then he is not correctly trained and it should be rectified with sound schooling.
Of course, a lot of things have moved on. I was fascinated to look at the pictures of him holding the reins, with both curb reins in one hand and both snaffle reins in the other (modern riders would hold the left curb and left snaffle rein in the left hand, and both right reins in the right hand). I have heard that riders used to do it, but had never had a chance to study how it was done. It seems awkward to me, but must have worked.
There were a lot of things we would no longer advocate. Most of the photos show horses with open mouths, which Fillis encourages, but which we would see as a fault or of a horse in pain. The heavy use of a curb bit was probably at fault, especially in some of the high school movements. Talking of which, most of these are familiar to today's dressage rider - the piaffe, passage, shoulder-in, etc. But why an earth would you want a horse to canter on three legs? Or turn on the haunches with one leg in the air? It all smacks a bit of the circus, which of course is where a lot of these riders showed off their skills, but trick riding is no longer considered 'equitation' as such.
So a good read, interesting and well written. Not all of it helpful, but it shows how modern techniques have developed. And I just have to leave by saying that the pictured of 'Horse and rider being drowned' is the funniest 'serious' illustration I have seen in a long time - it's worth picking up this book just for that!
January 29, 2012
This is a great, if not somewhat outdated, book. It is easy to see where modern riding came from. There are issues, such as women shouldn't ride astride, and some old-fashioned ideas. If you can keep that in mind (its over 100 years old)and read with an open mind, this book is pretty amazing. Classic ideas that have fallen by the wayside if you happen to look in the show ring lately.
I don't agree with everything he says, but Fillis made an impact on riding, and I don't regret reading this at all.
I don't agree with everything he says, but Fillis made an impact on riding, and I don't regret reading this at all.
May 23, 2013
On what I've read so far: The information is clear and techniques well explained although some are out-dated and cruel. The read is however enjoyable and you'll discover that some of today's "natural Horsemanship" existed long before those 2 words were put together.
I would recommend this book to any serious horseperson. Keep in mind that this book was written in the late 1800's and at times is rather sexist.
I would recommend this book to any serious horseperson. Keep in mind that this book was written in the late 1800's and at times is rather sexist.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews