On this page we are listing the books we frequently reference in our videos. Most links here go to Amazon.com for simplicity. If you are not in the USA you can from there usually click over to your local Amazon page. In the USA you can also get quite a few of these at Xenophon Press or Trafalgar Books
We have also added a list of Books recommended by Richard Williams of Xenophon Press here.
Nuno Oliveira
30 Years with Master Nuno Oliveira: Correspondence, Photographs and Notes Chronicled by Michel Henriquet
This classical text, which knowledgeable horsemen have been anxiously awaiting for years, is finally available in English. Henriquet's personal record of correspondence provides a unique window into the private problem-solving dialogue between master and student. Now a master écuyer in his own right, Henriquet embellishes this new edition with 50 photographs from his personal collection. This first and only English edition includes many more photographs of Nuno Oliveira and his teacher than earlier editions. It has also been embellished with a glossary and a descriptive table of contents for the 71 chapters. Michel Henriquet was born in 1924, and holds a degree in Law and Letters. In search of elusive traditional classic French equitation, he believed might be lost, Michel Henriquet first studied with the Baucherist, Rene Bacharach, a student of Captain Beudant. Henriquet was among the first admirers of Master Nuno Oliveira, becoming a friend and disciple over thirty years, until the latter's death
The Wisdom of Master Nuno Oliveira Kindle
This is the only English translation of 'Paroles du Maitre' by Antoine de Coux Antoine de Coux, a magistrate in the Belgian Congo, was undoubtedly one of the most loyal students of Master Nuno Oliveira. From 1966, when they met and became close friends, until Oliveira's death in 1989, Antoine de Coux participated in the annual two-month training sessions that Nuno Oliveira held in Belgium. De Coux was a fine rider, watched every lesson and took copious notes, filling more than forty notebooks. He faithfully recorded the teachings and remarks of the When Nuno Oliveira passed, Antoine de Coux decided to organize this great "memoir of a life experience," so that all riders could benefit from this knowledge. Nuno Oliveira was an exceptionally talented educator, gladly repeating his concepts with different descriptions to suit the level of understanding of his wide range of students.
The Legacy of Master Nuno Oliveira
This book represents a fascinating compilation of conversations, notes from Nuno Oliveira's lessons, biographical material and observations about his teachings, as well as a personal journey about what it was like to study under the Master despite a significant physical disability. Within these pages are pictures - including some never before published - that span the Master's career. Also included are tributes to the Master written by prominent international riders who studied under him. A chapter examining the influence of Baucherism on Oliveira's work includes important historical observations from noted French authors Michel Henriquet and Jean-Claude Racinet. "Nuno Oliveira occupies a unique place in equestrian history," explains the author "With his blending of the classical exercises of the Old Masters and his skilled interpretation of the innovations of François Baucher, he took equitation to new heights of lightness, suppleness, and brilliance.
Truth in the Teaching of Master Nuno Oliveira
This great book is the next in Xenophon Press’ series by the students of Master Nuno Oliveira. Eleanor Russell studied with Oliveira for over ten years. For an entire year, she studied horsemanship with her stallion, Victorieux in Avessada, Portugal. During this time, she took dutiful notes of her master’s teachings and faithfully recorded quotations of his lessons and discussions. Ms. Russell was permitted to photograph him in his daily work on average horses. This book is filled with candid, un-posed photographs seldom before seen. The lessons are practical and concrete. This volume illustrates daily life at the stables and reveals many secrets to understanding many classical dressage movements.This great book is the next in Xenophon Press’ series by the students of Master Nuno Oliveira.
La Guerinier, Baucher & Steinbrecht
Ecole de Cavalerie Part II EXPANDED, Complete Ed. w. Appendix a.k.a. School of Horsemanship
François Robichon de la Guérinière (1688-1751) was a pupil of Antoine de Vendeuil, who was “Écuyer ordinaire de la grande ecurie” in Versailles between 1680 and 1717. In 1715, de la Guérinière received the title of “Écuyer du Roi,” which entitled him to give lessons. In 1730, Prince Charles of Lorraine, “Grand Écuyer de France” (Master of the Horse) named him director of the Royal Stables at the Tuileries, which had been founded by Antoine de Pluvinel, Louis XIII’s teacher. De Pluvinel is best known for his work: The Maneige Royal, 1626 [Xenophon Press 2010].
Ecole de Cavalerie (School of Horsemanship, Part 2)
Ecole de Cavalerie by Francois Robichon de la Gueriniere, one of the bibles of classical dressage, most famous for its introduction of the shoulder-in. According to Col. Alois Podhajsky, this is "the most revolutionary book on riding of all times. Its principles are still applied unaltered at the Spanish Court Riding School and may be seen there in daily use." by Francois Robichon de la Gueriniere William Steinkraus writes: "The first of the great 18th-century masterpieces, Francois Robichon de la Gueriniere's Ecole de Cavalerie, boasts not only a marvelous and ground-breaking text---a cornerstone of modern dressage---but also superb engraved plates by Charles Parrocel. La Gueriniere's work is still considered the equestrian 'Bible' of the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, and though it has only recently been translated word for word into English, it stands as an enduring landmark of equestrian literature."
Racinet Explains Baucher
Excellent introduction to the philosophy, method, and procedures of Baucherism, or the French tradition of "riding in lightness" that Baucher developed in the 19th century. Includes a translation of Baucher's "second manner." Jean-Claude Racinet wrote a few articles in the magazine Dressage and CT in 1992-3 on Baucher and his equitation. This series, with some necessary editing for cohesion, has been brought together to create this book. Two appendices were added; the first one deals with the validity of Baucherism, in light of the last discoveries of "equine osteopathy," as exposed by Dr. Dominique Giniaux of France; the second is a translation of the very last part of the 12th edition of Baucher's Methode d'Equitation, dealing with his second "manner."
Gymnasium of the Horse: Fully footnoted and annotated edition.
First published in the late 19th century, this book is truly a work of remarkable coherence, comprehensiveness, and depth of understanding. Steinbrecht's reputation as a master in the art of dressage makes The Gymnasium of the Horse a cornerstone of equestrian literature. Originally published in German; this translation from the 10th German edition by Helen K. Gibble, into English. Sections are: Rider's Seat and Aids; Purpose of Dressage; Systematic Training of the Horse; School Movements; Epilogue. Scarce title and long awaited for the many dressage enthusiasts who are familiar with the thoroughness with which Steinbrecht first addressed this topic.
Complete Training of Horse and Rider: In the Principles of Classical Horsemanship
For the first time, Colonel Podhajsky has set forth explicitly and in practical, instructive fashion the step-by-step methods of training both horse and rider that are used at the School and that are the applicable foundations of all good horsemanship, for their purpose is to develop the natural abilities of the horse and to make riding a graceful, pleasurable experience.
Older Masters
The Art of Horsemanship Kindle Edition by Xenophon
Among the earliest known works on choosing, caring for, and riding horses, this book is still hailed--2,300 years after it was written — as one of the most complete, thoughtful, and accessible guides of its type. Civilization has changed radically in the centuries since it was written, but the equestrian arts have remained essentially the same. Much of what we presently accept as common wisdom about horsemanship derives from this volume. A student of Socrates, Xenophon was an accomplished cavalryman and one of the foremost scholars of his day. This translation by Morris H. Morgan offers a fluid interpretation of the ancient Greek's advice, plus 38 carefully chosen illustrations. Equestrians and other horse lovers as well as military history buffs and students of Greek culture will find The Art of Horsemanship a treasury of practical tips and enlightened observations.
THE MANEIGE ROYAL
or L'Instruction du Roy: Wherein can be seen the Manner in which one Schools Docile Horses and everything that is required and ... many excellent Figures realistically execut Unquestionably one of the most important books ever written about the art of horsemanship, de Pluvinel's treatise is complete with the celebrated illustrations by Crispin de Pas. Translated from the 1926 edition, this is the foundation stone of any collection of equestrian literature. Pluvinel's "Le Maneige Royal" was published posthumously in 1625 in its complete form with beautiful engravings by the Flemish engraver Crispijn van de Passe II, edited by Pluvinel's friend Menou de Charnizay, under its definitive name "L'Instruction du Roy en l'exercice de monter a cheval"
The Italian Tradition of Equestrian Art:
A Survey of the Treatises on Horsemanship from the Renaissance and the Centuries Following At the mid-point of the sixteenth century, a Neapolitan gentleman, Federico Grisone, published, for the first time, a printed book about the art of training the horse "for the use of war" and on the secrets to "emend his defects". The work was a huge and immediate success and was soon emulated by other authors. The new literary genre of equestrian treatises was thus born and its tradition, with ups and downs, became alive and remains vital up to this day. It is no coincidence that this first work was printed in Italy because, between the fifteenth and sixteenth century, it was in that country that a new culture of the court, in which horse riding had a key role was developed. During this time, Italian riding masters were sought out by the members of European courts. The scions of the European aristocracy ventured to Italy to perfect their skill in the art of riding with renowned masters. Following the thread of equestrian treatises, this book traces the history of Italian and European equitation, recounting the rich cultural implications, the evolution of the techniques, and the many connections with the great events of European history.
Contemporary Books (Linda Tellington-Jones, de Kunfy, FN, ....
The Principles of Riding: Basic Training for Horse and Rider
This bestselling official instruction handbook of the German National Equestrian Federation has been completely revised and updated regarding language and content, while still taking into account the well-established principles of the ‘Old Masters’. The Principles of Riding provides a complete instruction course of horse and rider using the German training system — a system that has consistently produced international champions for many decades. The emphasis is on an integral approach to the interaction between horse and rider. It all depends on harmony between horse and rider. The correct seat and the appearance of the horse under the rider are regarded as the result of correct riding.
Dressage in Harmony Paperback
While teaching lessons and clinics across North America in the late 1990s, Walter Zettl was struck by the hunger for knowledge of classical training principles, which was challenged by both the vastness of the geographic range and the lack of any organized system for delivering correct information. This book was written to meet what he identified then as a need: to serve as both a complete treatise and handy reference. Clear and easy-to-understand chapters take you through each training stage, discuss problems that commonly occur, and provide competent, sensible corrections with the good of the horse in mind.
The Ultimate Horse Behavior and Training Book: Enlightened and Revolutionary Solutions for the 21st Century
A superbly illustrated instructional manual offering groundbreaking, step-by-step solutions for hundreds of horse behavior, health, and training problems.
Getting in TTouch with Your Horse: Understand and Influence Personality
Helping riders develop a deeper understanding of their animals, this newly revised guide reveals how horses’ physical traits—from the muzzle, mouth, lips, and nostrils to the eyes, ears, chin, and facial swirls—can influence their behavior and personalities. Offering new profiles, personality evaluations, and helpful photographs to aid the process, the first of three sections teaches owners how to evaluate their horse’s character and equine personality based on more than a dozen physical traits. A second section focuses on how health helps determine if the horse’s personality has been adversely affected by stress or pain caused by poor nutrition, inadequate living conditions, or a mismatched riding discipline.
Weiterführende Ausbildung für Pferd und Reiter: Richtlinien für Reiten und Fahren Band 2 (German Edition)
Die Erstausgabe der Richtlinien Band 2 erschien 1967 in bisher 14 verschiedenen Auflagen. 2020 wurde der Titel „Weiterführende Ausbildung für Pferd und Reiter, Richtlinien für Reiten und Fahren, Band 2“ unter Einbeziehung der bewährten Erfahrungen aber auch neuer Erkenntnisse sowohl sprachlich als auch inhaltlich komplett überarbeitet. Die Beachtung und Umsetzung dieses Wissens führt zu einer artgerechten Ausbildung des Pferdes und somit zu dessen Gesunderhaltung, Wohlbefinden und Leistungsfähigkeit. Band 2 enthält die wichtigsten Grundsätze der weiterführenden Ausbildung für Reiter und Pferd in der Dressur, im Springen und in der Vielseitigkeit auf der Basis einer korrekten und vielseitigen Grundausbildung. Diese wird ausführlich in „Grundausbildung für Reiter und Pferd, Richtlinien für Reiten und Fahren, Band 1“, beschrieben.
The Ethics and Passions of Dressage
The Ethics and Passions of Dressage, Expanded Edition calls the reader to a re-dedication to the art of riding and the traditions of classical horsemanship. Charles de Kunffy challenges the reader to ask questions such as “Should competition challenge or reinforce classical horsemanship?” Furthermore, “What characteristics should be cultivated to transform the rider into a complete horse person? What are the individual’s responsibilities to the preservation of classical horsemanship and academic equitation?” De Kunffy explains the true meanings of: non-confrontational riding and training, “on the bit,” engagement, the development of the correct seat, and the use of hands and reins. He offers valuable advice on seeking instruction in classical dressage training. In the chapter entitled “Succinct Principles,” de Kunffy doubles his single sentences kernels of wisdom from the first edition.
Henriquet on Dressage
This lovely book follows the training of three young horses, from their first schooling experiences to the execution of classical airs at the age of nine.
Foreign Language Books
Vertrauen stärken mit Tellington Training
Das Praxisbuch der berühmten Pferdetrainerin Linda Tellington-Jones ist der perfekte Einstieg in die erfolgreiche Therapieform und das partnerschaftliche Training mit dem Pferd. Detailgenaue Schritt-für-Schritt-Anleitungen machen es leicht, TTouches und die Bodenarbeit kennenzulernen und mit dem eigenen Pferd auszuprobieren. Körperarbeit und Ausbildung fördern die Leistungsbereitschaft beim Pferd und die Tiere sind ausgeglichener und gesünder. Die richtige Methode für alle Reiterinnen und Reiter, die das Beste für ihren Schützling wollen.
System der Reitkunst
Also available as free PDF if you google it!
Von der Koppel bis zur Kapriole: Die Ausbildung des Reitpferdes.
Mit einem Vorwort zur Neuauflage von Georg W. Seunig. (Documenta Hippologica) Waldemar Seunig-Stroblhof (8.8.1887-24.12.1976) war eine überragende reiterliche Persönlichkeit im Sattel, in der Ausbildung, als Richter und als hippologischer Schriftsteller. Alle seine Bücher zeichnet eine passionierte Hingabe zum Pferd aus, die im vorliegenden Werk (zugleich sein Hauptwerk) noch von wissenschaftlicher Akribie in der Darstellung und von überragender Belesenheit übertroffen wurde. Auf diese Weise schuf er eine der ganz großen Reitlehren dieses Jahrhunderts, ein epochales Werk aus einem Guss. In seiner Ausprägung wurde er stark beein?ußt durch General v. Josipovich und Gustav Rau. 1932 wurde er auf eigenen Wunsch als Oberst pensioniert. Von 1933 bis 1941 war er Inhaber eines Reitstalls in Laibach. Seunig war ein Gralshüter der reinen Lehre, unbestechlich in der Vermittlung seiner umfassenden Kenntnisse, besessen in der Ausfeilung hippologischer Begriffe, geliebt, geachtet und bewundert von seinen Schülern, die ihm buchstäblich „zu Füßen saßen“.
Anleitung zu der natürlichsten und leichtesten Art Pferde abzurichten ; Von Ludwig Hünersdorf
Nebst einem Anhang, wie diese Anleitung auf die Abrichtung des Cavalleriepferdes und den gemeinen Reiter anzuwenden ist Kann auf Google Books gelesen oder als print version bestellt werden.
L'Instruction Du Roy En l'Exercice de Monter À Cheval (Histoire) (French Edition)
L'instruction du roy en l'exercice de monter à cheval / par messire Antoine de Pluvinel, ...; enrichy de grandes fig. en taille douce... desseignées [sic] et gravées par Crispian de Pas; [dédicace au roi par René de Menou] Date de l'édition originale: 1666 Sujet de l'ouvrage: Équitation -- Manuels d'enseignement -- 17e siècle -- Ouvrages avant 1800Éducation des princes -- Art et science militaires -- France -- 17e siècle -- Ouvrages avant 1800 Le présent ouvrage s'inscrit dans une politique de conservation patrimoniale des ouvrages de la littérature Française mise en place avec la BNF. HACHETTE LIVRE et la BNF proposent ainsi un catalogue de titres indisponibles, la BNF ayant numérisé ces oeuvres et HACHETTE LIVRE les imprimant à la demande.