Pembroke, Henry, Earl of, AND Thompson, Charles

A Method of Breaking Horses, and Teaching Soldiers to Ride, Designed for the Use of the Army [AND] Rules for Bad Horsemen [2 works in one]

London: J. Hughs AND J. Robson, 1762. Second and First Editions. Hardcover. Two works bound in one. Pembroke: [viii], 128p + 3 folding engraved pls. Thompson: iv, 81p, no ills. Old full leather (sound). Pages browned; bit plate is torn at the edges and creased from misfolding. From the library of two members of the Dunlop family, with one early notation of purchase. Also from the library of a Robert Graham. Good. Item #30286

The Earl of Pembroke was a forward-thinking horseman who advocated careful training of army horses and riders based on the principles of school riding or dressage--an unusual approach in 18th-century England equestrian culture, with its emphasis on cross-country speed. This second edition (first published in 1761) is "revised, and corrected, with Additions." It is complete with 3 plates (the one showing bits is often missing). This is the first edition of Thompson's popular manual, which went through many editions, versions, and plagiarisms. Addressing the gentleman to whom riding may not come naturally, he presents rules to help him become a good horseman.

Price: $350.00