COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS

L'Instruction Du Roy En L'Exercice De Monter A Cheval
By Antoine de Pluvinel
Paris: 1629.

The National Sporting Library is fortunate to have two rare editions of L'Instruction Du Roy En L'Exercice De Monter A Cheval in the collection. One of the earliest books on horsemanship, it was first published in 1623.

Antoine de Pluvinel (1555-1620) was a master horseman and taught the royals of Europe. Many of his principles are still used today in the training of horses and riders in upper-level dressage. He wrote the book in the form of a conversation between himself, King Louis XIII and Monsieur le Grand, the Duke of Bellgard and the King's Master of the Horse. Flemish artist Crispin de Pas illustrated the folio size book with three portraits and 58 large folding engravings. These fabulous illustrations depict formal movements of equitation, riding school movements, equipment for the horse and dress for the rider.

Pluvinel stands to the left of King Louis XIII (seated), and Monsieur le Grand (far right).

The NSL has two 1629 editions published in Paris, which are safely housed in our rare book room. One was donated in 1994 by William C. Steinkraus, a 1968 Olympic Gold Medalist and member of the NSL's Board of Directors. This edition is in good condition. It is printed in French and German in parallel columns and bound in calf.

Three other editions are shelved on the main floor. Two are in French and German (1970 & 1972), and the other in English (1989). The English version, The Maneige Royal, was translated by NSL member Dr. Hilda Nelson of San Diego State University and published by J. A. Allen of London. These 20th-century editions enable the casual reader or the serious researcher to peruse Pluvinel's work without handling the fragile 371-year-old original.