COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS

Ecole de Cavalerie:
La Connoissance, L'Instruction,
et la Conservation du Cheval
by Francois Robichon de la Gueriniere
Paris: Jacques Collombat, 1733.

William Steinkraus, an NSL director, writes: "The first of the great 18th-century masterpieces, Francois Robichon de la Gueriniere's Ecole de Cavalerie, boasts not only a marvelous and ground-breaking text---a cornerstone of modern dressage---but also superb engraved plates by Charles Parrocel. La Gueriniere's work is still considered the equestrian 'Bible' of the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, and though it has only recently been translated word for word into English, it stands as an enduring landmark of equestrian literature."

La Gueriniere's book consists of three sections: Knowledge of the Horse In and Out of the Stable, Training, and Treatment of Illness. The training section covers all aspects of horsemanship pertinent to the 18th century. He writes of training horses for serious matters such as war, hunting and coaching, and of training for sport including tournaments, jousting and carousels.

La Gueriniere was born in Essay, France, in 1688. He began his equestrian education in Versailles with Antoine de Vendeuil, whose title was "Ecuyer Ordinaire" In 1715, La Gueriniere was awarded the title "Ecuyer du Roi" which entitled him to teach riding. In 1730, Prince Charles of Lorraine appointed him director of the Royal Stables at the Tuileries, which were founded by Antoine Pluvinel, Louis XIII's teacher.

The 23 plates by Charles Parrocel are precise and artistic. They illustrate details of training, bridles, bits, saddles, grooming equipment and horseshoes.

The Library holds a first edition (1733) and a 1751 edition which are on display in the lobby. Shelved in the main reading room is a complete translation in English by Tracy Boucher and published by J.A. Allen, 1994.