Principles of Dressage and Equitation, a.k.a Breaking and Riding with full military commentaries by James Fillis

Publisher's Introduction

James Fillis’ (1834–1913) contribution to the development of dressage as we know it today cannot be overlooked. Fillis was a pupil of François Caron, who was a direct pupil of François Baucher. Fillis also studied with Victor Franconi. Fillis was widely revered and respected by his contemporaries as a master horse trainer.

There are simple truths that James Fillis expressed very clearly in his first French language text, Principes de dressage et d’equitation. This text, translated by M. H. Hayes was given the title: Breaking and Riding. Today, the term ‘breaking’ is not looked upon with favor in the equestrian community. Notwithstanding the good intentions of Mr. Hayes, in this unique edition, Xenophon Press has used the exact literal translation of the original French title hence our edition is entitled: Principles of Dressage and Equitation. In fairness to M. H. Hayes, the Duke of Newcastle defined ‘Break’ as follows:

In the original French text, where Fillis used the term dressage to refer to basic training, we have used the term ‘training’ instead of ‘breaking.’ And, where Fillis used the term dressage to refer to haute école, we have used the term ‘dressage’ instead of ‘breaking.’ These re-translations are closer to Fillis’ original meaning.

Our re-titled text with direct translations of the original French content sheds new positive light on Fillis’ historically important magnum opus. Our fully footnoted edition is richly annotated and contains all the additional material from the authoritative J. A. Allen edition by exclusive permission granted to Xenophon Press. We are especially grateful for the proofreading of Brenner Klenzman in this edition.

This exclusive edition of Principles of Dressage and Equitation is the only edition available both in print and as an e-book.

 James Fillis' master work, Breaking and Riding has been a touchstone of commonsense training for over a century. Xenophon Press has returned to the original French language manuscript entitled Principe de dressage et d'equitation and re-translated some of M.H.Hayes' translation of this work's references to 'breaking.' 

Fillis' used the term "dressage" two ways:

1. basic training and taming of the horse;

2. sophisticated advanced training.

At the turn of the century (19-20th), "dressage" was not in use in the English language. Hence, the term was omitted from M.H.Hayes first English language edition and 'breaking' substituted. Xenophon Press' edition of this classic is fully footnoted and closely follows the original French edition. Complete military commentaries and robust footnotes make this the authoritative edition.

We are proud to finally offer this great work in an appropriately accurate and complete edition.

James Fillis (1834–1913) was English-born and became a revered French riding master. He was taught by Francois Caron, a direct student of Francois Baucher, and then studied with Victor Franconi, owner and director of the Cirque Olympique de Franconi. Fillis was hired to train horses for the French Army during the Franco-Prussian War, and therefore his name is inscribed at Saumur on the roll of Écuyeres Célèbres.

While performing with the Ciniselli Circus in St. Petersburg, Russia - he drew the attention of Grand Duke Nicholas, and became Ecuyer en chef at the Russian Cavalry School.