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'To Amaze the People with Pleasure and Delight' by Elaine Walker

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NOW IN PRINT: William Cavendish, first Duke of Newcastle’s passions included women, music, writing, theatre and, perhaps above all, the finest horses. He was a widely acknowledged expert in the art of the riding horse, and his works laid the foundation for classical dressage. Mastery in horsemanship was the mark of a graceful and accomplished gentleman in the European nobility of the seventeenth century.

In the first comprehensive study of Newcastle’s two horsemanship manuals dating from 1658 and 1667, Dr. Elaine Walker explores the insights they offer into riding practice, personal philosophy and motivation. Newcastle’s writing has surprising relevance to the modern rider or any reader interested in the long history of the coevolution of man and horse together.

42 engraved plates after Abraham van Diepenbeeck from the 1658 edition are included along with full translations from the original French manual.

“…essential reading for anyone who feels that dressage today comes from the great riding masters of the past…” Peter Maddison-Greenwell, Director of El Caballo de Espana

 

“...a real contribution to knowledge...” - Boudewijn Commandeur, Founder of the Horse in Art Database, The Netherlands Institute for Art History.

 

Based in North Wales, Elaine Walker is a writer, academic, and consultant on the horse in cultural history. She discovered western riding and Appaloosa horses while on holiday in Scotland in 1990 and has remained devoted to both. The connection between western riding and the classical tradition was her starting point for researching the practical aspects of Newcastle’s manuals. Elaine Walker researched much of her Ph. D. thesis and the material for this book while mounted. She has given several displays and talks in Newcastle’s own riding house at Bolsover Castle in Derbyshire. When she is not writing or riding, she is a performing singer and musician.

  • ISBN13:: 9780933316720
  • PAGES: 198
  • Item #: 7217
  • Manufacturer: Xenophon Press 

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.

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.

 

NOW IN PRINT: William Cavendish, first Duke of Newcastle’s passions included women, music, writing, theatre and, perhaps above all, the finest horses. He was a widely acknowledged expert in the art of the riding horse, and his works laid the foundation for classical dressage. Mastery in horsemanship was the mark of a graceful and accomplished gentleman in the European nobility of the seventeenth century.

In the first comprehensive study of Newcastle’s two horsemanship manuals dating from 1658 and 1667, Dr. Elaine Walker explores the insights they offer into riding practice, personal philosophy and motivation. Newcastle’s writing has surprising relevance to the modern rider or any reader interested in the long history of the coevolution of man and horse together.

42 engraved plates after Abraham van Diepenbeeck from the 1658 edition are included along with full translations from the original French manual.

“…essential reading for anyone who feels that dressage today comes from the great riding masters of the past…” Peter Maddison-Greenwell, Director of El Caballo de Espana

 

“...a real contribution to knowledge...” - Boudewijn Commandeur, Founder of the Horse in Art Database, The Netherlands Institute for Art History.

 

Based in North Wales, Elaine Walker is a writer, academic, and consultant on the horse in cultural history. She discovered western riding and Appaloosa horses while on holiday in Scotland in 1990 and has remained devoted to both. The connection between western riding and the classical tradition was her starting point for researching the practical aspects of Newcastle’s manuals. Elaine Walker researched much of her Ph. D. thesis and the material for this book while mounted. She has given several displays and talks in Newcastle’s own riding house at Bolsover Castle in Derbyshire. When she is not writing or riding, she is a performing singer and musician.

  • ISBN13:: 9780933316720
  • PAGES: 198
  • Item #: 7217
  • Manufacturer: Xenophon Press 

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.

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.