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Fragments from the writings of Max Ritter von Weyrother translated by Hilary Fane

Fragments from the writings of Max Ritter von Weyrother translated by Hilary Fane

by Xenophon Press
$35.00

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Description
Now in print:

Max Ritter von Weyrother (1783–1833) was Chief Rider of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna from 1813, and Director from 1814 to 1833. His grandfather, Adam Weyrother, a previous Chief Rider at the school, may have known Francois Robichon de la Gueriniere in Paris. Adam Weyrother traveled to Paris frequently. Maximilian's father and brother, Gottlieb were also Chief Riders at the school. Under Max Ritter von Weyrother, the Spanish Riding School became a mecca of the riders of Central Europe in the 19th century. Louis Seeger, teacher of Gustav Steinbrecht [Gymnasium of the Horse] and E. F. Seidler were his best-known students.

Weyrother coined the term "thinking rider." He said: "Every rider must be perfectly clear, at what stage of the dressage the horse is, which he is working, as well as the purpose which he wishes to pursue from lesson to lesson and finally achieve. For the sake of this purpose, clear information must be given at any time in a few words. In a word, the rider does not have to ride alone, but also thinks, for only a thinking rider will reach the goal which he is set on with the greatest possible care of the horse in a comparatively short time." Andreas Hausberger, Spanish Riding School, Vienna writes: "I was delighted to learn that the writings of Max von Weyrother had been translated into English. This is a seminal work for us at the Spanish Riding School and one of the cornerstones of our theory and practice. As you will read in the introduction, Weyrother made a major contribution to classical horsemanship and the foundation of modern dressage. Now this work is available to a much wider audience as well as to the pupils at the Spanish Riding School." Daniel Pevsner FBHS - pupil, the Spanish Riding School of Vienna said: "In Fragments, Weyrother faithfully follows de la Guérinière’s precepts and expands on them in various ways. Aside from technique and science, Weyrother also offers a moral and philosophical view of horse training. Schooling methods are variable and numerous but they only work for the one he describes as a “reflective rider,” one who works humanely and respects the horse’s physiological and psychological needs. This is a message that is as fresh and relevant today as it was in the early nineteenth century."

"As a rider, I find myself returning to this book every so often, rediscovering the relevance of von Weyrother’s words and discovering new insights as my riding develops. I hope other readers enjoy it as much as I do."

H. J. Fane, translator

Book review by Kip Mistral: https://www.kipmistral.com/book-review-fragments-from-the-writings-of-max-ritter-von-weyrother-austrian-imperial-and-royal-oberbereiter-vienna-1836/

 

Hardcover edition.

ISBN: 978-0933316973
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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.

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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.

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

Description
Now in print:

Max Ritter von Weyrother (1783–1833) was Chief Rider of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna from 1813, and Director from 1814 to 1833. His grandfather, Adam Weyrother, a previous Chief Rider at the school, may have known Francois Robichon de la Gueriniere in Paris. Adam Weyrother traveled to Paris frequently. Maximilian's father and brother, Gottlieb were also Chief Riders at the school. Under Max Ritter von Weyrother, the Spanish Riding School became a mecca of the riders of Central Europe in the 19th century. Louis Seeger, teacher of Gustav Steinbrecht [Gymnasium of the Horse] and E. F. Seidler were his best-known students.

Weyrother coined the term "thinking rider." He said: "Every rider must be perfectly clear, at what stage of the dressage the horse is, which he is working, as well as the purpose which he wishes to pursue from lesson to lesson and finally achieve. For the sake of this purpose, clear information must be given at any time in a few words. In a word, the rider does not have to ride alone, but also thinks, for only a thinking rider will reach the goal which he is set on with the greatest possible care of the horse in a comparatively short time." Andreas Hausberger, Spanish Riding School, Vienna writes: "I was delighted to learn that the writings of Max von Weyrother had been translated into English. This is a seminal work for us at the Spanish Riding School and one of the cornerstones of our theory and practice. As you will read in the introduction, Weyrother made a major contribution to classical horsemanship and the foundation of modern dressage. Now this work is available to a much wider audience as well as to the pupils at the Spanish Riding School." Daniel Pevsner FBHS - pupil, the Spanish Riding School of Vienna said: "In Fragments, Weyrother faithfully follows de la Guérinière’s precepts and expands on them in various ways. Aside from technique and science, Weyrother also offers a moral and philosophical view of horse training. Schooling methods are variable and numerous but they only work for the one he describes as a “reflective rider,” one who works humanely and respects the horse’s physiological and psychological needs. This is a message that is as fresh and relevant today as it was in the early nineteenth century."

"As a rider, I find myself returning to this book every so often, rediscovering the relevance of von Weyrother’s words and discovering new insights as my riding develops. I hope other readers enjoy it as much as I do."

H. J. Fane, translator

Book review by Kip Mistral: https://www.kipmistral.com/book-review-fragments-from-the-writings-of-max-ritter-von-weyrother-austrian-imperial-and-royal-oberbereiter-vienna-1836/

 

Hardcover edition.

ISBN: 978-0933316973
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.