Fillis James 1834-1913 - Breaking and riding

This book made available by the Internet Archive.

PRINTED BY KELLY'S DIRECTORIES LONDON AND KINGSTON

PREFACE.

In this book, I do not presume to discuss scientific subjects. I am simply a horseman who has been among horses for sixty years, who knows them, loves them, and is capable of reasoning about them.

The fundamental principle of the studies which I submit to the public is that it is necessary for a horse to be correctly balanced and light in forward movements and propulsion, in order that the rider may obtain the most powerful effects with the least exertion.

My method of equitation consists in distribution of weight by the height of the neck bent at the poll and not at the withers ; propulsion by means of the hocks being brought under the body; and lightness by the loosening of the lower jaw. When we know this, we know everything, and we know^ nothing. We know everything, because these principles are of universal application ; and we know nothing, because they have to be applied practically.

Practice cannot be taught in a book ; but I will try to set forth principles. Probably, I would not have had the boldness to do this, had not one of my pupils entreated me to write this book ; because he had been greatly struck with

the aptness of the explanation which I gave him respecting the details of the breaking lessons.

In judging this work, I trust that my readers will give it the attention it deserves, as the result of sixty years' serious study and hard practical work.

I crave the indulgence of the public, and the impartiality of my reviewers.

JAMES FILLIS.

TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE.

Mr. Fill is, at whose request I have had the pleasure of translating his Principes de Dressage et d^Equitation, is acknowledged throughout Europe as the greatest high school rider of all time. In fact, he has had the honour of giving private riding exhibitions before The Emperor and Empress of Germany, The Tsar, President Carnot, The Queen of Belgium, The King and Crown Prince of Denmark, and the Emperor of Austria, all of whom have accorded him special marks of their appreciation of his unrivalled ability.

Having fortunately had many opportunities of seeing Mr. Fillis ride both in Germany and at the St. Petersburg Cavalry Riding School, where he is Eaiyer en chef, I can full}' endorse the correctness of the good opinion held about him by his most enthusiastic admirers.

A school rider obtains control and guidance by the combined action of hands and legs ; but an ordinary horseman depends almost entirely on the reins for collecting and directing his mount, and consequently his power over the animal is insufficient for military and polo requirements. With extremely few exceptions, school riders abuse their power, and sacrifice freedom of movement to exaggerated

control, with the,result, in many cases, of getting their animals behind their bits and straining their hocks. Such men ride in a mechanical manner, which is inelegant in a school or circus, and is entirely unsuited for work in the open. Mr. Fillis, on the contrary, acting on his motto " e7i avant " (forward), has succeeded in showing how a horse can be made clever in his movements, without in any way diminishing his usefulness on the road or over a country. I therefore trust that all English-speaking horsemen, and especially cavalrymen and polo players, will profit by the valuable instruction which he now puts before them.

M. H. HAYES.

JUMPING

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER IV.

195 to 205

FLAT RACING

CHAPTER V.

206 to 209

THE HUNTER

CHAPTER VI.

210 to 212

THE ARMY HORSE

CHAPTER VII.

213 to 235

CHAPTER VIII. HIGH-SCHOOL RIDING.

The Spanish walkReversed pirouettes on three legsReversed and ordinary pirouettes with the feet crossedReining back without reinsRocking the forehandRocking the haunchesSpanish trot Shoulder-in at the canterPirouettes at the canter^Changes of leg at each strideChanges of leg without gaining groundPiaffers and passages Differences between the passage and Spanish trot Serpentine at the TrotCanter on three legsPassage to the rear See-saw piafferCanter without gaining ground and canter to the rearNew school movementsSchool horse for ladies .. 236 to 331

CHAPTER IX.

COMMENTARIES ON BAUCHER

332 to 344

CHAPTER X.

TESTS OF HORSEMANSHIP

345 t^' 347

CHAPTER XL

WITH BELGIAN OFFICERS

348 to 356

FIG. I.

3

4

5-6.

7-8.

9

lO.

II.

13

15-16.

17-18.

19. 20.

Leading a horse forward .....

Jaw contracted ......

Jaw and bit free ......

Going forward when mobihsing the lower jaw, so

prevent the horse getting behind his bit Muzzle on a line with upper part of shoulder Correct preparation for direct flexion Preparation for Baucher's direct flexion Incorrect and frequently employed flexion Lowering the heada faulty practice

jj 53 jj

Direct flexion when going forward . Baucher's flexion when mounted Correct flexion when mounted .... Exaggerated example of Baucher's incorrect flexion Proper way to mount Equal tension on all four reins Action of the curb . Action of the snaffle Action of the off curb rein Action of the near curb rein

as to

PAGE

41 45 47

49 51 55 55 57 57 59 59 (>Z 64

65 67

71 71 71 73 73

21. Separating the curb and snaffle reins 2 2. Passing the right hand between the off curb rein and off snaffle rein ......

23. Closing the hand on the off curb and off snaffle rein

24. Separating the reins

25. Doubler .....

26. Volte

27. Demi-volte ....

28. Diagonal change of hand

29. Reversed change of hand

30. Counter-change of hand

31. Preparation for lateral flexion ; jaw contracted

32. Lateral flexion ; jaw relaxed 2iZ- Correct lateral flexion

34. Incorrect lateral flexion

35. Correct lateral flexion when mounted

36. Baucher's lateral flexion when mounted

37. Incorrect lateral flexion

38. Lateral effects in rotation of crop and shoulders

39. Direct effects ,, ,,

40. Diagonal

41. On " two tracks " at the school walk, from right to left

42. left to right

43. First time of the canter; near hind support

44. Second time of the canter; left diagonal in support

45. Third time of the canter; off fore in support

46. Clearing a fence .......

47. Horse raising his forehand a good deal when jumping

PAGE

75 75 75 90

91 92

93 94 95 97 99

lOI

105 106 107 108 109 no

T4I 143

48. Horse raising his croup when clearing a fence

49. Horse and rider being drowned