Overview

On horsemanship is a classical treatise that explores the art and science of horse training, riding, and management. Xenophon provides practical guidance on selecting, breaking, and maintaining horses, emphasizing the importance of understanding their anatomy, temperament, and health. The work details grooming practices, riding techniques, and proper care, while also offering advice for military applications, particularly for cavalry preparation and the use of equipment. Beyond practical instruction, the text reflects on the relationship between rider and horse, highlighting trust, communication, and mutual respect as essential to effective horsemanship. Drawing on his own experience as a soldier and philosopher, Xenophon combines technical knowledge with insights into discipline, patience, and leadership. The treatise balances instruction with reflection, making it both a manual for equestrian skill and a study of character, preparation, and the human-animal bond. Its enduring influence underscores the value of careful observation, practical wisdom, and the integration of experience and ethical consideration in the art of riding.

Full Product Details

9789374833124

Table of Contents

Reviews

Author Information

Xenophon was a Greek historian, soldier, and philosopher born in Athens around 430 BC. He was a student of Socrates and fought as a mercenary in various conflicts throughout his life. In 401 BC, Xenophon joined the expedition of Cyrus the Younger, a Persian prince who sought to overthrow his brother, the king of Persia. After Cyrus was killed in battle, Xenophon led a group of Greek soldiers known as the Ten Thousand on a dangerous retreat across enemy territory, an event he later wrote about in his famous work, the Anabasis. Xenophon also wrote several other works, including the Hellenica, which covers the events in Greece from 411 BC to 362 BC, and the Cyropaedia, a fictionalized biography of Cyrus the Great. In addition to his military and historical pursuits, Xenophon was also interested in philosophy and wrote several works on ethics, including Memorabilia, a collection of Socratic dialogues. He believed in the importance of piety, obedience to the law, and the virtues of the Greek city-state system. Xenophon spent his later years in the Greek city of Corinth, where he continued to write and engage in philosophical discussions. He died around 354 BC at an advanced age.

Tab Content 6

Countries Available