The perfect gift for horse-lover, art lover or bibliophile!

This classic work is not only one of the most beautiful books on horses ever published, but also a landmark in the development of equestrian technique.

William Cavendish's emphasis on systematic and humane training was revolutionary for its era, and his teaching has exerted a lasting and far-reaching influence on the art of riding.

A General System of Horsemanship was first published in a French edition in 1658, illustrated with 42 superb engravings, all of which accompany this edition. William Cavendish, the Earl, Marquis, and Duke of Newcastle, was one of the most accomplished men of his era.

(hardcover, photos, illustrations, 255 pgs.)

Excerpt from the book:

How to make him obey the Bridle
When you have made a horse's shoulders supple by the first division of lessons, and taught him by the second to obey the heel, this third division is intended to make him know the bridle, which is to be done in the following manner.

Let the rider put the rein of the caveson, fixed my way, which he holds in his right hand under the burr of the saddle, that is under his thigh, and fasten it well to the pommel; and so short, as to bend the horse's shoulders to such a degree, as to force his hind-leg within the volte out, but not so much as to force out the outward leg too; for that is a solecism in horsemanship, as you will see hereafter. When the horse's head is thus fastened to the pommel of the saddle, the caveson gives him the proper ply, and the rider should work him with the bridle upon a large circle. When he goes to the right, you must place your hand without the volte a little towards the left shoulder, helping him at the same time with the leg within, which is leg and rein of a side, and that always works both the shoulder, and not his croupe.

This lesson is the same as the first, excepting only, that in this you work more with the bridle.