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Riding and Driving

Written by Price Collier,Edward L. (Edward Lowell) Anderson

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About this book

"Riding and Driving" by Edward L. Anderson and Price Collier is a comprehensive manual on equestrian practices and horsemanship written in the early 20th century. This instructional work delves into both riding and driving techniques, covering topics ranging from breeding saddle-horses to effective training methods. The authors aim to educate readers on best practices for horse care, handling, and training, making it a valuable resource for aspiring riders and horse enthusiasts. The opening of the book focuses on the principles of breeding saddle-horses, highlighting the superiority of thoroughbreds in various aspects such as beauty, stamina, and ability to transmit desirable traits to their offspring. The discussion sets a historical context for horse breeding while emphasizing the importance of selecting the right stallion and mare to produce desirable offspring. The passage also touches on the relationship between horse types and their suitability for various riding purposes, indicating that careful breeding practices can lead to the development of excellent saddle-horses, particularly emphasizing the contributions of American breeders in creating a distinct type of horse suitable for pleasure riding.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Riding and Driving, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • Instructive
  • Authoritative
  • Practical

Riding and Driving by Edward L. Anderson and Price Collier is a comprehensive early 20th-century manual dedicated to the art and science of horsemanship. It meticulously covers various aspects of equestrian practices, beginning with the fundamental principles of breeding superior saddle-horses, particularly emphasizing the virtues of thoroughbred lineage in terms of beauty, stamina, and genetic transmission. The book then systematically guides readers through effective training methods, proper horse care, and detailed techniques for both riding and driving. It aims to educate aspiring riders and seasoned horse enthusiasts on best practices, reflecting the prevailing knowledge and contributions of American breeders in shaping a distinct type of pleasure horse for its era.

The thoroughbred, in its purity, represents the highest type of horse for speed, stamina, and beauty.

Key themes

Horsemanship and Skill Mastery
This is the overarching theme, encompassing the acquisition and refinement of skills necessary for effective riding, driving, and overall horse management. It delves into the technical aspects of control, communication, and harmony between human and horse, emphasizing the discipline, patience, and understanding required to achieve proficiency.
Animal Husbandry and Breeding
The book places significant emphasis on the science and art of breeding superior horses, particularly saddle-horses. It explores genetic traits, the selection of stallions and mares, and the desired physical and temperamental characteristics (beauty, stamina, conformation) that contribute to an excellent horse. This theme highlights the human role in shaping animal populations for specific purposes.
Tradition and Expertise
This theme underscores the value of accumulated knowledge and established practices in horsemanship. The book presents itself as a compendium of expert advice, reflecting a deep respect for proven methods and the wisdom passed down through generations of horsemen. It serves as a historical record of prevailing equestrian thought and techniques from its era.

Worth discussing

How do the breeding philosophies presented in the book compare to modern equestrian breeding practices and ethical considerations?

Chapter-by-chapter breakdowns, character arcs and the full thematic analysis come with a free account.

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