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Alexis-Francois L'Hotte: The Quest for Lightness in Equitation Hardcover – contains full translation of L’Hotte’s “Questions Equestre”

Alexis-Francois L'Hotte: The Quest for Lightness in Equitation Hardcover – contains full translation of L’Hotte’s “Questions Equestre”

by Xenophon Press
$40.00

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Description

This well-researched book offers a look at the life of the great French general, Alexis-Francois L'Hotte and includes Hilda Nelson's complete translation of his much-quoted Questions Equestres, here entitled Equestrian Questions.


Alexis-François L’Hotte (1825-1904) was sent to the Ecole de Cavalerie at Saumur to pursue his equestrian talent. He became the pupil of both François Baucher and comte d’Aure. He returned to Saint-Cyr as commandant of the reopened cavalry section. In 1864 he became écuyer en chef of the Ecole de Cavalerie. In 1875 he returned to Saumur as commandant of the Ecole de Cavalerie there. He was considered by all to be the most outstanding écuyer of the period. It was on his personal horses that L’Hotte practiced the teachings of Baucher. But as écuyer en chef and commandant at Saumur, he was obliged to follow the teachings and rules of a military establishment. In this respect he was more in the d’ Auriste idiom, practicing primarily exterior and military equitation. It was his quest to produce answers to the equestrian challenges that he faced that prompted his writing of  Questions équestres where he provides complete, precise, and definitive answers.

Hilda Nelson was Professor Emeritus of French Literature and Civilization at San Diego State University in Southern California. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She is the author of books and articles on romanticism, dada, and surrealism, and translated Antoine de Pluvinel’s classic on horsemanship, The Maneige Royal, and authored François Baucher, The Man and his Method, and Great Horsewomen of the Nineteenth Century in the Circus. She translated 30 Years with Master Nuno Oliveira by Michel Henriquet; all books are published by Xenophon Press.

Why Buy From Us

Why Shop with Equestrian Life

We know you have options when it comes to equestrian gear and apparel. Here’s why riders across the U.S. choose to shop with us—and keep coming back.

• Free U.S. Shipping on orders over $49 – No hidden fees. No surprises. Just fast, reliable delivery—always on us.
• Best Price Guarantee – Found a better price? We’ll match it. No hassle.
• 30-Day Easy Returns – Not satisfied? Return it, no questions asked.
• Exceptional Service – We're known for knowledgeable, responsive support—before and after your purchase.
• Satisfaction Guaranteed – Every item we carry is hand-selected for quality. If something’s not right, we’ll make it right.

Shipping

Free Shipping On Orders Over $49
We offer free shipping on all orders over $49 within the United States. No hidden fees. No fine print. Just straightforward, reliable delivery—because we believe shopping should be simple.

Order Confirmation
Once you place your order, you’ll receive an email confirmation. This means your order is in our system and your payment method has been pre-authorized.

We’ll verify that your item is in stock and available for shipment. If it’s back-ordered or unavailable, we’ll void the charge and contact you to offer options.

If your item is ready to ship within 5 business days, we’ll process your payment and begin preparing your order.

Order Shipment
In-stock items typically ship within 3 business days of purchase. You’ll receive a shipping confirmation with tracking details within 24 hours of dispatch.

Haven’t received a shipping update within 4 business days? Reach out to us at [email address]—we’re happy to help.

International Orders
We do ship internationally by request.

For a custom international shipping quote, contact us. If you’re happy with the quote, we’ll securely process your order and arrange shipment.

Shipping Damage
Please inspect your package upon delivery. If there's visible damage:

  • Make a note when signing for the item, or decline delivery.

  • If you accept delivery, photograph the packaging and product immediately.

Email your photos to Support@EquestrianLifeBrand.com, then visit our Returns Page to start a claim. We’ll take it from there.

Description

This well-researched book offers a look at the life of the great French general, Alexis-Francois L'Hotte and includes Hilda Nelson's complete translation of his much-quoted Questions Equestres, here entitled Equestrian Questions.


Alexis-François L’Hotte (1825-1904) was sent to the Ecole de Cavalerie at Saumur to pursue his equestrian talent. He became the pupil of both François Baucher and comte d’Aure. He returned to Saint-Cyr as commandant of the reopened cavalry section. In 1864 he became écuyer en chef of the Ecole de Cavalerie. In 1875 he returned to Saumur as commandant of the Ecole de Cavalerie there. He was considered by all to be the most outstanding écuyer of the period. It was on his personal horses that L’Hotte practiced the teachings of Baucher. But as écuyer en chef and commandant at Saumur, he was obliged to follow the teachings and rules of a military establishment. In this respect he was more in the d’ Auriste idiom, practicing primarily exterior and military equitation. It was his quest to produce answers to the equestrian challenges that he faced that prompted his writing of  Questions équestres where he provides complete, precise, and definitive answers.

Hilda Nelson was Professor Emeritus of French Literature and Civilization at San Diego State University in Southern California. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She is the author of books and articles on romanticism, dada, and surrealism, and translated Antoine de Pluvinel’s classic on horsemanship, The Maneige Royal, and authored François Baucher, The Man and his Method, and Great Horsewomen of the Nineteenth Century in the Circus. She translated 30 Years with Master Nuno Oliveira by Michel Henriquet; all books are published by Xenophon Press.

Why Buy From Us

Why Shop with Equestrian Life

We know you have options when it comes to equestrian gear and apparel. Here’s why riders across the U.S. choose to shop with us—and keep coming back.

• Free U.S. Shipping on orders over $49 – No hidden fees. No surprises. Just fast, reliable delivery—always on us.
• Best Price Guarantee – Found a better price? We’ll match it. No hassle.
• 30-Day Easy Returns – Not satisfied? Return it, no questions asked.
• Exceptional Service – We're known for knowledgeable, responsive support—before and after your purchase.
• Satisfaction Guaranteed – Every item we carry is hand-selected for quality. If something’s not right, we’ll make it right.

Shipping

Free Shipping On Orders Over $49
We offer free shipping on all orders over $49 within the United States. No hidden fees. No fine print. Just straightforward, reliable delivery—because we believe shopping should be simple.

Order Confirmation
Once you place your order, you’ll receive an email confirmation. This means your order is in our system and your payment method has been pre-authorized.

We’ll verify that your item is in stock and available for shipment. If it’s back-ordered or unavailable, we’ll void the charge and contact you to offer options.

If your item is ready to ship within 5 business days, we’ll process your payment and begin preparing your order.

Order Shipment
In-stock items typically ship within 3 business days of purchase. You’ll receive a shipping confirmation with tracking details within 24 hours of dispatch.

Haven’t received a shipping update within 4 business days? Reach out to us at [email address]—we’re happy to help.

International Orders
We do ship internationally by request.

For a custom international shipping quote, contact us. If you’re happy with the quote, we’ll securely process your order and arrange shipment.

Shipping Damage
Please inspect your package upon delivery. If there's visible damage:

  • Make a note when signing for the item, or decline delivery.

  • If you accept delivery, photograph the packaging and product immediately.

Email your photos to Support@EquestrianLifeBrand.com, then visit our Returns Page to start a claim. We’ll take it from there.