Rare Antique 1903 HORSEWOMAN/Side-Saddle/Fox Hunting Horse Book/Horseback Riding

Pricing & History

Sold for
Start Free Trial or Sign In to see what it's worth.
Sold Date
Source eBay

THE HORSEWOMAN, A Practical Guide to Side-Saddle Riding, byAlice M. Hayes, edited by M. Horace Hayes, F.R.C.V.S., (Late Captain “The Buffs”), published by Charles Scribner’s Sons, New York, 1903, this is the revised, enlarged second edition with 133 photographic illustrations added, hardback, no dust jacket, 482 pages including a double columned 8 page index. According to reviews in the self advertisement at the rear of the book, “This is the first occasion on which a practical horseman and a practical horsewoman have collaborated in bringing out a book on riding for ladies. The result is in every way satisfactory, and, no matter how well a lady may ride, she will gain much valuable information from a perusal of (this book). –Field. “A large amount of sound, practical instruction, very judiciously and pleasantly imparted.” –The Times. “With a very strong recommendation of this book as far and away the best guide to side-saddle riding we have seen.” Saturday Review. According to the preface, “The first edition of this book was the result of seven years’ experience of riding hundreds of horses in India, Ceylon, Egypt, China and South Africa; the most trying animals being those of which I was the rough-rider at my husband’s horse breaking classes. Since that edition came out, I have hunted a good deal, chiefly, in Leicestershire and Cheshire, and have taught many pupils, both of which experiences were of special advantage to me in preparing this new edition; because English ladies regard riding, principally, from a hunting point of view, and the best way to supplement one’s education is to teach. The directions about side-saddles and seat are the outcome of practical work and fortunate opportunities; and I hope they will be as useful to my readers as they have been to my pupils. Although I have ridden, when abroad, some of the worst buckjumpers that could be found in any country , I have never “cut a voluntary,” thanks to the adoption of a seat and saddle which gave the necessary grip. Of course I have had “purls,” when horses have “come down on me out hunting,” and on one occasion in China, when a horse which I mounted for the first time, reared and came over. Knowing the immense value of photographs in explaining technical subjects, I have gladly availed myself of the expert help of my husband and son in that form of illustration. This edition is practically a new book.” Topics include Beginning to Ride, Horses for Ladies, Side-Saddles, Bridles, Riding Dress, Mounting and Dismounting, How to Hold the Reins, The Seat, Hands, Voice, Whip, Spur, First Lessons in Riding, Riding Across Country, Hacking, Riding without Reins, Nerve, Fences, Country and Gates, Hunting, Riding and Hunting Abroad, Walking Foxhound Puppies, Kindness to Horses, Cross Saddle Riding for Ladies, Riding Difficult Horses, and more. Book in fair condition. At a glance, both inside and out, it looks good. Pages yellowed with age but mostly clean and straight. Binding mostly good though there are some spine cracks. The most unfortunate feature of the book is that the front blank pages have apparently been torn out by hand with such strength that the binding and the attachment of the front cover to the rest of the book became torn and the binding, where it attaches to the cover, has been strongly compromised. The front cover has not broken away entirely, but it has been severely weakened and there is a large tear at the very top. The cover has evidence of the tear outside on a corner but is otherwise intact. The photos show this described damage. The cover does show some surface, edge and corner wear. The gilt lettering on the front cover and spine edge is still clearly visible but faded. This is a rarely available book in any condition! Even with the damage inside the front cover, it would still be appreciated as a Christmas gift for the serious side saddle enthusiast. A rare old find! Think "read now, keep in the collection and/or then give later at Christmas." Better, well-written and/or il... read more

Items in the Price Guide are obtained exclusively from licensors and partners solely for our members’ research needs.

Flag item for content or copyright

If this item contains incorrect or inappropriate information please contact us here to flag it for review.

If you are the originator/copyright holder of this photo/item and would prefer it be excluded from our community, contact us here for removal.