Breaking and Riding

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 Although some of what Fillis recommends is outdated to modern equestrians, his writings are nevertheless acknowledged to this day for advancing and formalizing aspects of equestrianism.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.