Customer Reviews

American Military Horsemanship: The Military Riding Seat of the United States Cavalry, 1792 through 1944

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Very interesting book, but only for someone who is very knowledgeable and dedicated to US Cavalry history; including the evolution of the cavalry saddle and the equitation goals of the US Cavalry during the period between WWI and WWII. Very detailed information but is limited to calavry riding techniques and does not include any information regarding other necessary cavalry skills such as saddlery, blacksmithing, use of weapons while mounted, cavalry tactics or use of pack animals in conjunction with cavalry movement.

A truly comprehensive account of American Horsemanship and the riding seat. The author comes across very articulate and easy to read. As a beginner in the realm of cavalry history this book has helped me form a strong foundation from which to grow. I would recommend it for the advanced to beginner cavalry buff.

If you could only read one book about "how to US Cavalry" this should be it. A treasure for the "horsemastership" as well as its copious illustrations. These were truelly "Centaurs" of their time and we ride today in their shadows. Wonderful insight and depth of facts and whys as well as glimpse from a time when armed man on horseback was a force to be reaconed with. Well written and truelly a treasure.Origins of Equitation detail is worth the price alone, as is photo on page 120.

This book contains important information, illustrations and photos and as such is a valuable reference source of cavalry history but I was a little disappointed. The author has compiled the book mostly from 20th century material and information on 19th century riding styles is rather sketchy. The horsemanship of the Civil War and the Indian campaigns is only lightly mentioned but this period would have yielded so much information regarding the pros and cons of various riding styles that were so different to what we see today. For example, the very long stirrups seen in photos of senior Civil War officers, was this a style taught at West Point ? Did it evolve in the United States or was it imported from Europe ? Why did the cavalry seat need to change in the early part of the 20th century ? This book left me with the suspicion that the final changes were intended more for the show ring than the battlefield. The title is a little misleading and the book is not as comprehensive as it suggests. Any amount of civilian books on riding cover what comprises the bulk of this work. It is interesting but could have been so much better.

PJG