Principles of Dressage and Equitation by James Fillis

Product Description

a.k.a Breaking and Riding with full military commentaries

James Fillis’ master work, Breaking and Riding has been a touchstone of commonsense training for over a century. Xenophon Press has returned to the original French language manuscript entitled Principe de dressage et d’equitation and re-translated some of M.H.Hayes’ translation of this work’s references to ‘breaking.’

Fillis’ used the term “dressage” two ways:

1. basic training and taming of the horse;

2. sophisticated advanced training.

At the turn of the century (19-20th), “dressage” was not in use in the English language. Hence, the term was omitted from M.H.Hayes first English language edition and ‘breaking’ substituted. Xenophon Press’ edition of this classic is fully footnoted and closely follows the original French edition. Complete military commentaries and robust footnotes make this the authoritative edition.

We are proud to finally offer this great work in an appropriately accurate and complete edition.

James Fillis (1834–1913) was English-born and became a revered French riding master. He was taught by Francois Caron, a direct student of Francois Baucher, and then studied with Victor Franconi, owner and director of the Cirque Olympique de Franconi. Fillis was hired to train horses for the French Army during the Franco-Prussian War, and therefore his name is inscribed at Samur on the roll of Écuyeres Célèbres.

While performing with the Ciniselli Circus in St. Petersburg, Russia – he drew the attention of Grand Duke Nicholas, and became Ecuyer en chef at the Russian Cavalry School.