Books published by Xenophon Press LLC

The Dressage Way illustrates the transformation of the human by virtue of the eminently noble creature: the horse. This book is neither a simple how-to manual nor a staunch treatise on the benefits of dressage for horse and rider. With classical dressage as both foundation and inspiration, this collection of essays traces the path of the dressage trainer as she grows through her experiences with the horse. In section one, "The Way of Dressage," we see the trainer as a keen observer. She describes seemingly endless ways to understand this complex creature and in turn, herself. Section two, "The Way to Dressage," is a guide. The path has become clearer, more distinct, and all questions have been answered. There is no looking back - only forward, and to what? In third section, "The Way is Dressage" the trainer has come to the revelation that dressage provides a "way" in and of itself. The beauty of this "way" is that the horse and human are no longer separate entities but have become particularly joined so as to become yet a third,single entity. This possibility of dressage is rarely realized and even more rarely written about. In this volume a type of universal language is used, one comprehensible to both horse and human. And it is this inclusion of both that leads to the growth of each. This is the only way.

"Circus was quite a serious thing in nineteenth and early twentieth century Europe. Edmond and Jules de Goncourt noted in their Journal "We go to only one theater--the Circus. There we see clowns, tumblers....there is no false exhibition of talent..." Balzac believed that a circus equestrienne was worth more respect than an actress, a prima ballerina or an opera prima donna. And indeed, equestrians were the kings of the circus--and equestriennes, its idolized queens. For horsemanship was important then. It was more than mere entertainment. Wars had been won by good horsemen. Horses were still man's most valuable partner in so many aspects of everyday life.And the circus had been created by and for equestrians...Nelson takes us to a wonderful, often surprising journey with the greatest circus equestriennes of the nineteenth century, who reigned with so much flair over the most prestigious rings of Europe...puts back the spotlight on these unjustly forgotten stars of the circus of yore...' Many of the moves illustrated are very familiar 'haute ecole' moves in classical dressage--piaffe, Spanish walk, passage; as well as the more esoteric 'airs above of the ground' most familiar today as performed by the Spanish Riding School in Vienna and the Cadre Noir in Saumur. These moves include the courbette, capriole, levade, pesade, etc. And these circuses were housed in grand, theatrical palaces, not movable tents; but in buildings as exquisite as the equestrians/equestriennes and their horses, a fitting setting for these memorable equine artists. Includes an extensive glossary.The book is further enhanced by an Epilogue containing an account of the equestrian accomplishments of four contemporary écuyeres: Catherine Durand Henriquet, Eloise Schwarz King, Géraldine Katharina Knie, and Katja Schumann Binder.

Faverot de Kerbrech's 'Methodical Dressage of the Riding Horse according to the last teachings of Francois Baucher' is considered the "Bible of Baucherism." Together with it, in 'Dressage of the Outdoor Horse' General de Lagarenne gives us the teaching of Faverot de Kerbrech. Both books, included in this one volume, are excellently translated by Michael L. M. Fletcher.François Faverot de Kerbrech's (1837 - 1905) first riding master was his father, General Baron Faverot, student of Chevalier D'Abzac. At Saint Cyr, his teachers were students of the Count d'Aure. Faverot completed his studies by following François Baucher. Faverot became one of Baucher's favorite students. A horseman of great repute, he remained the loyal successor to the work of François Baucher.The Master François Baucher brought numerous modifications to his first method of dressage. His best student, Faverot de Kerbrech gives us the definitive description and explanation of Baucher's second manner in his work: Methodical Dressage of the Saddle Horse from the Last Teaching of Baucher, recalled by one of his students (1891). Published twenty years after the death of Baucher, this work is the result of a quest to bring French equitation out of its academic approach; enriched by the experience of Baucher's most illustrious student. It is widely considered the best representation of Baucher's second method.In Dressage of the Outdoor Horse, General de Lagarenne gives us the last teaching of Faverot de Kerbrech. This work consists of a simplified progression of the second manner of Baucher with regard to the preparation of a horse for outdoor riding.

François Robichon de la Guérinière (1688-1751) was born in Essay, a small town near Alençon, where his father was a lawyer; he was also an officer at the court of the Duchess of Orleans. La Guérinière 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 as "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 know for his work: The Maneige Royal, 1626 [Xenophon Press 2010].La Guérinière's book, École de Cavalerie, was first published in 1731 and again under different titles between 1733 and 1802. It consists of three parts: Knowledge of the Horse In and Out of the Stable; Training; and Treatment of Illness.This expanded volume contains all Chapters I - XXII of the Second Part of École de Cavalerie, entitled ''De La Manière de Dresser Les Chevaux, Suivant Les Diferens Usages Auxquels On Les Destine.'' (The Method of Training Horses According to the Different Ways in Which They Will Be Used). Chapters XIX through XXII are new to this edition and contain valuable information pertinent to today's riders and trainers. In discussing subjects as the training of the war horse, the hunt horse, the coach horse and other matters such as tournaments, jousting, carousels, etc., the author reveals important training advice that will be invaluable to riders of many disciplines. The illustrations used are reproduced from the 1733 edition. Further expanding this edition is an Appendix including a new translation of Chapter VI from Part I: On the bridle. Part II, the training portion of the three volume book heavily references the bridle and the use of the rider's hands. As editor, I felt it was important to include these detailed descriptions and recommendations of the time as most are completely applicable to today's rides especially with the interest in historic bits, bridles and equipment.École de Cavalerie is one of the best works on equitation ever to appear in France. In fact, it would not be an exaggeration to say that after a long struggle beginning in the renaissance academies of Italy, equitation in France suddenly flowed forth from La Guérinière. To quote the late Head of the Spanish Court Riding School in Vienna, Colonel Alois Podhajsky, "It was the great riding master La Guérinière who produced the most revolutionary book on riding of all time. Unlike [those by] his predecessors, his book is clear and easy to understand. He based it on simplicity and facts, in order to be completely understood by his readers." His principles are still "applied unaltered at the Spanish Court Riding School and may be seen there in daily use."It is for these reasons that La Guérinière is considered the Father of French Equitation and the Father of Modern Dressage; and it is impossible to read a book about dressage without finding his name mentioned, credit given to him, and an occasional quote from his work. Thus, the serious horse-person who takes the time to read La Guérinière's work cannot help but enrich his/her own knowledge by discovering the depth and quality of information that forms the base of much of our equestrian theory.

The rare book, Gymnastic Exercises for Horses Volume II is now available in the Xenophon Press Reprint program. This great work explains how to gymnastically develop your horse and how to address problems that will inevitably arise along his path of training. The exercises are for green horses to Grand Prix and everything in between. Each section in this unique edition is complete with 'HELP ! It didn't happen" assistance advice. Over 140 pages with more than 65 exercises are clearly explained, with easy-to-follow diagrams and text written in basic rider's language. The diagrams are simple to follow with an emphasis on imaginatively changing these exercises to keep you and your horse working in a happy and interesting way.In 1985, Eleanor Russell published Gymnastic Exercises for Horses which became a best seller. Now we have Gymnastic Exercises for Horses Volume 2 which includes the diagrams from Volume 1 and the long running series of articles from Hoofs and Horns, which included a 'HELP ! It didn't happen' section.Russell attended clinics with Franz Mairinger and Karl Mikolka. Later she had the benefit of ten years of intensive study with Nuno Oliveira. During her time with Oliveira, she spent a year studying at Avessada, Portugal with her French stallion Victorieux. Eleanor was a successful competition rider, an FEI judge, and bred Arabian Warmbloods in her homeland, Australia. She also collaborated with Nuno Oliveira translating two of his last books.

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.This monumental contribution to equestrian literature is embellished with even more carefully-selected images of equestrian statues than the original edition. The Ethics and Passions of Dressage, Expanded Edition also includes additional chapters, recommended for the serious equestrian wanting to be simultaneously challenged and inspired. This book is sure to reaffirm the rider's dedication to an ethical approach to classical dressage. "If you want to express the utter joy, the drive, the energy that takes you forward on your journey with horses, it is here in this book." -Sylvia Loch