The Art of Horsemanship [Paperback]

Xenophon (Author), Morris H. Morgan (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 31, 2006

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. Morris H. Morgan's fluid translation features 38 illustrations of this classic's practical tips and enlightened observations.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Xenophon , also known as Xenophon of Athens and Xenophon of Thebes, was a soldier, mercenary, and a contemporary and admirer of Socrates. He is known for his writings on the history of his own times, preserving the sayings of Socrates, and the life of ancient Greece. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (March 31, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486447537
• ISBN-13: 978-0486447537
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #242,686 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #87 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Biological Sciences > Animals > Horses

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

59 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars outstanding book on choosing a horse and horsemanship, April 14, 1999

By 

A. P. Scott (Wellington, Colorado USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Art of Horsemanship (Paperback)

Really interesting book This man had a good eye and an outstanding knowledge of horses. This book covers the care, training and ridding in a way that is just as accurate now as it was a couple thousand years ago. One must remember that these guys depended on their horses in order to do battle and to travel, in other words to survive. It must also be remembered that these ridders were not using sturrips as they had not been invented as yet. Great book at any price - but really hard to find - a real good look into practical horsemanship that hasen't changed much in 2,000 years - maybe we have changed but the horse hasen't

20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional: History and Horsemanship, September 25, 2001

By 

Flame_926 "flame_926" (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of Horsemanship (Paperback)

This is one of the books that I actually took to college with me due to its unusual author. Xenophon wrote this work from the his viewpoint of a cavalry commander several thousand years ago. Even though the work is literally dated his knowledge has never ceased to be of interest to modern riders. Perhaps the first novel ever written on horsemanship it includes training troops, choosing horses, and putting on army displays. Although not the best choice for a person who desires a book to teach them to ride, this book will be a delight for any horseperson desiring to learn about ancient cavalry practices and the origins of the horse in military settings.

16 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The great-great-great-grandfather of dressage., December 5, 2003

By 

portledgesteven "portledgesteven" (Carbondale, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of Horsemanship (Paperback)

Before there was dressage there was Xenophon. He was a general and horseman, though it's hard to tell which he was first. It doesn't take a genius to realize that the man knew what he was talking about - otherwise we wouldn't be reading his words MILLENIA after he wrote them. I wonder if his horses felt they were lucky he was their rider - I know I feel lucky that we can still read his ideas.