The History of Horseback Riding

Have you ever wondered how the art of horseback riding was first invented? Which horses were so exceptional that their legacy continues to shape our riding techniques today? Who was the first to mount a horse, where was the first riding hall built, and who created the awe-inspiring movements like caprioles, pesades, and the Spanish walk that captivate us to this day?

And most importantly — what lessons can we draw from the history of equestrianism for our work with horses today? How can a deeper understanding of the past help us avoid common mistakes and improve our training methods? What insights can we gain from historical archives, genetics, and ancient treatises that can enhance the way we approach horsemanship in the modern world?
***
Discover the fascinating journey of horseback riding in “The History of Horseback Riding”, a meticulously researched yet beautifully written exploration of one of humanity’s most enduring relationships—our bond with the horse.
Blending scientific insights with engaging storytelling, this book traces the origins of equestrian practices and breeds, revealing how geography, culture, and necessity shaped the riding styles we know today. From the battlefields of ancient civilizations to the Italian art of Renaissance and the elegant dressage arenas of Baroque times, each chapter unveils the reasons behind the evolution of riding techniques, equipment, and horse training methods.

This work isn't just a history book—it’s a guide to understanding how horseback riding has been shaped by human ingenuity and the horse’s remarkable versatility. Whether you’re an equestrian enthusiast or a history lover, this book offers rare insights into how riding has influenced societies and traditions around the world. It also gives hints to understanding riding today.

You will learn where the world’s first permanent riding arena stood, the first riding hall, and the oldest stud farm. Additionally, the book traces the origins of today’s horse breeds and reveals that there have never been purebred horses, only breeding for specific purposes.

It shows, how two horse types have significantly influenced our modern horses throughout history: the Persian Nisean, which enabled the development of horses for Equestrian Art around 1500, and the Akhal-Teké, which’s import produced the English racehorse around 1700.

Many of today’s problems stem from ignorance of the differences between these two types and the echo-like repetition of the dressage style of one on the other.

"History of Riding" is an indispensable scientific guide to understanding the background and a roadmap for the future of Equestrianism. With numerous illustrations and detailed descriptions, it brings the development of riding and horse breeding to life. This book will inform and captivate everyone, whether a passionate rider, history enthusiast, or lover of noble horses.

The book focuses on European and Asian riding styles.