Principles of Equitation: A Swiss Cavalry Manual
Language: English
Published by Xenophon Press LLC, 2026
- Hardcover
- New

Seller: Revaluation Books, Exeter, United KingdomRevaluation Books
AbeBooks seller since January 6, 2003
Condition: New
£ 39.51
Quantity: 2 available
Add to basketItem description from seller
108 pages. 7.00x0.31x10.00 inches. In Stock.
Seller Inventory # x-1948717530
- Title
- Principles of Equitation: A Swiss Cavalry Manual
- Author
- DE WECK, ROLAND (Author)/ WILLIAMS, RICHARD F (Translator)
- Publisher
- Xenophon Press LLC
- Publication year
- 2026
- Condition
- Brand New
- Binding
- Hardcover
- Language
- English
- ISBN 10
- 1948717530
- ISBN 13
- 9781948717533
- Item weight
- 0.41 kilograms
Good riding depends on clear thinking. Principles of Equitation: A Swiss Cavalry Manual gives that clarity to both riders and those who teach them.
Written for Swiss cavalry instruction in the early twentieth century and available here for the first time in English, this long-awaited translation by Richard F. Williams brings Roland de Weck's influential work to modern readers in its entirety. The book sets out the principles that govern balance, movement, and control of the horse, explaining how the gaits function, how the neck and back influence balance, and how the rider's seat, hand, and leg act together on the horse's body. Each subject is developed methodically, with the aim of giving the rider-and the instructor-a reliable line of conduct that holds under real conditions, whether in the riding school or outside it.
The strength of this work lies in its reasoning. De Weck follows cause and effect with precision. He shows how collection develops from engagement, how straightness is established, how stiffness arises, and how training choices influence soundness over time. Riders learn how to evaluate what they feel under saddle; teachers gain a framework for explaining those sensations clearly and correcting faults before they become entrenched.
One chapter stands out for its direct usefulness: Riding in Seventy Questions and Answers. Here, practical problems are addressed plainly-questions riders actually ask, answered with clarity and economy. For instructors, this section serves as a concise teaching reference; for riders, it offers a way to test understanding and refine judgment.
Though written for military use, the book speaks directly to modern practice. Dressage riders will recognize the bio-mechanical foundations of correct work. Jumping and event riders will find insight into balance, rhythm, and endurance. Riding teachers will appreciate a system that forms independent riders rather than dependence on constant supervision.
Together with H.Dv.12 and the United States Cavalry manual Horsemanship and Horsemastership, this volume completes a trio of essential twentieth-century cavalry texts now available in English. Studied carefully, it strengthens instruction, sharpens decision-making, and deepens understanding for anyone responsible for the education of horse and rider.
If your aim is to ride with understanding-and to teach riding with clarity and authority-this long-awaited English edition belongs in your working library.
"Synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
Richard F. Williams began riding in Canada at the age of eleven and was introduced to dressage at fifteen. Since then, he has devoted his life to the study, practice, and teaching of classical horsemanship. He has instructed private students in dressage and classical riding since 1983 and has presented clinics throughout the United States.Mr. Williams is widely regarded as an outstanding trainer and pedagogue. His instruction is known for its clarity, precision, and depth, as well as for his ability to diagnose both equine and rider-related problems accurately. Grounded in a thorough understanding of classical principles, he applies those principles practically, producing sound horses and thoughtful, independent riders. His teaching emphasizes understanding over imitation and consistency over fashion.For eighteen years, Mr. Williams co-taught extensively with Charles de Kunffy, participating in advanced riding courses and instructor education programs. He also studied with Arthur Kottas-Heldenberg, former First Chief Rider of the Spanish Riding School, and for more than a decade with internationally recognized Grand Prix rider Gyula Dallos, gaining broad experience in riding, training, and teaching horses at all levels.Mr. Williams continues the work of Xenophon Press founder Ivan Bezugloff, bringing important historic and contemporary works of classical horsemanship into English. He is based on Virginia's Eastern Shore, where he trains horses and riders at Williams Dressage in Virginia with his wife, Frances Williams.
"About the title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Revaluation Books
Exeter, United Kingdom
AbeBooks seller since January 6, 2003
Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
| Item | 7 to 14 business days | 2 to 3 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | £ 10.00 | £ 30.00 |
Payment methods
Seller's business information
Edward Bowditch Ltd
Exstowe, Exton
Exeter, United Kingdom EX3 0PP
Terms of sale
Legal entity name: Edward Bowditch Ltd
Legal entity form: Limited company
Business correspondence address: Exstowe, Exton, Exeter, EX3 0PP
Company registration number: 04916632
VAT registration: GB834241546
Authorised representative: Mr. E. Bowditch
Right of withdrawal
If you are a consumer you can withdraw from the contract in accordance with the following. Consumer means any natural person who is acting for purposes which are outside his trade, business, craft or profession.
Information regarding the right of withdrawal
Statutory right to withdraw
You have the right to withdraw from this contract within 14 days without giving any reason.
The withdrawal period will expire after 14 days from the day on which you acquire, or a third party other than the carrier and indicated by you acquires, physical possession of the last good or the last lot or piece.
To exercise the right of withdrawal, electronically fill in and submit a clear statement on our website, under "My Purchases" in "My Account". We will communicate to you an acknowledgement of receipt of such a withdrawal on a durable medium (e.g. by e-mail) without delay.
To meet the withdrawal deadline, it is sufficient for you to send your communication concerning your exercise of the right of withdrawal before the withdrawal period has expired.
Effects of withdrawal
If you withdraw from this contract, we will reimburse to you all payments received from you, including the costs of delivery (except for the supplementary costs arising if you chose a type of delivery other than the least expensive type of standard delivery offered by us).
We may make a deduction from the reimbursement for loss in value of any goods supplied, if the loss is the result of unnecessary handling by you.
We will make the reimbursement without undue delay, and not later than 14 days after the day on which we are informed about your decision to withdraw from this contract.
We will make the reimbursement using the same means of payment as you used for the initial transaction, unless you have expressly agreed otherwise; in any event, you will not incur any fees as a result of such reimbursement.
We may withhold reimbursement until we have received the goods back, or you have supplied evidence of having sent back the goods, whichever is the earliest.
You shall send back the goods or hand them over to Revaluation Books, Hounslow, United Kingdom, without undue delay and in any event not later than 14 days from the day on which you communicate your withdrawal from this contract to us. The deadline is met if you send back the goods before the period of 14 days has expired. You will have to bear the direct cost of returning the goods. You are only liable for any diminished value of the goods resulting from the handling other than what is necessary to establish the nature, characteristics and functioning of the goods.
Exceptions to the right of withdrawal
The right of withdrawal does not apply to:
- The delivery of newspapers, journals or magazines with the exception of subscription contracts; and
- The supply of digital content which is not supplied on a tangible medium (e.g. on a CD or DVD) if you accepted when you placed your order that we could start to deliver it, and that you could not withdraw once delivery had started.
Shipping terms
Orders usually dispatched within two working days.