NSLM Newsletter - Fall 1993

12 Pages·1993·22.4 MB·English

THE NATIONAL SPORTING LIBRARY
NEWSLETTER
A Research Center for Horse and Field Sports
Fall 1993 No. 38 Laura Rose, Editor
gambling interests, racing was pro-
Alvan Fisher
moted as a healthy way of improving
and the agricultural science, a testing ground
for advancements in American breed-
Beginning of ing. This national pride in domestic
agricultural advances, coupled with
Thoroughbred
growing sectionalism, fueled a rivalry
of epic proportions between the
Portraiture
North and the South. The rivalry was
in America actively cultivated in a series of match
races beginning in 1821. The first
prominent horse to be hailed as a
by Stephanie Przybylek champion in these series was C. W.
Van Ranst's American Eclipse, who
defeated Southern challenger Sir
Charles by default in Washington, D.C.,
in 1822.
VIRGINIA MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, RICHMOND.
THE PAUL MELLON COLLECTION. A few months before American
c In 1822 Fisher painted this portrait of Duroc, the sire of American Eclipse. Eclipse's match against Sir Charles, Hall
approached Fisher to undertake the
Though the name Alvan Fisher may practised much, if any, in this country, series of portraits. A self-made mer-
not be synonymous with sporting art, viz: barnyard scenes and scenes be- chant and breeder of fine bloodstock,
the landscape painter's tentative images longing to rural life, winter pieces, Hall was an important civic leader and
of racehorses in the 1820s are in fact portraits of animals, etc. This species racing proponent in New York. He was
the first recorded portraits of American of painting being more novel in this actively involved in the movement
turf champions. Fisher's draftsmanship part of the country, I found it a more toward purifying domestic bloodlines,
and technique never approach the lucrative, pleasant, and distinguishing and in 1822 he began compiling a new
quality of later American sporting branch of art than portrait painting, version of a Northern stud book. A
artists, but his role as an innovator in which I then pursued." connection between this project and
early 19th-century American painting Fisher's early paintings include live- his painting commission seems likely,
and his choice of Thoroughbred horses stock, often cattle or horses placed as he requested from Fisher portraits
as subject matter prove intriguing points against a pastoral landscape. But por- of horses that were breeding successes
for sporting enthusiasts to ponder. traiture was still the most popular type throughout the region rather than
Alvan Fisher was born in 17 92 in of painting, and Fisher could not main- animals from his own stable.
Needham, Mass., to a family uninvolved tain his career by staying in Boston. Two paintings from May of 1822,
in artistic pursuits. Despite their mis- By 181 7 he traveled extensively from the earliest Fisher horse portraits to
givings, Fisher decided to become an Massachusetts to South Carolina in surface, suggest that the young artist
artist and traveled to Boston in 1810 search of commissions. At some point had a great deal to learn about equine
for training. He undertook an appren- in his travels, the spring of 1822 at the anatomy. A portrait of American
ticeship with John Ritto Penniman, a latest, Fisher met Charles Henry Hall, Eclipse displays the horse awkwardly,
self-trained sign painter and jack of all who would commission the first series accompanied by its trainer and jockey.
artistic trades. Penniman's repertoire of Thoroughbred portraits. The other, thought to be a portrait of
was broad; he was one of the earliest American Eclipse's sire, Duroc, dis-
American artists to paint sporting sub- Racing for the Masses plays a prancing horse held by a well-
jects and genre scenes. Events concerning horse racing in dressed figure against a pastoral barn-
When Fisher left Penniman's tutelage the 1820s set the scene for an atmos- yard background. The composition of
a few years later, he began actively pur- phere conducive to sporting commis- the work is ambitious even if not
(_ suing themes of agricultural interest, as sions. Racing was increasing in successful. However, there is some
he noted in 1834: "In 1814 I com- popularity among the public as an question as to the animal's identity,
menced being [an] artist by painting organized mass activity, despite legis- because the horse in the painting has
portraits at a cheap rate. This I pursued lation to outlaw it as late as 1820 in different markings than an engraving
until 1815. I then began painting a New York. ofDuroc done after a later Fisher paint-
series of pictures which had not been In order to allay the fears of anti- ing in 1824.
allowed him to hear of planter John Tayloe commissioned a
Eclipse's fame from a painting of Sir Hal, and James M. Sel-
Southern venue, "It has den, proprietor of the Tree Hill race
given me much pleasure," course near Richmond, commissioned
wrote Fisher in a letter to one of Mountaineer. Fisher also painted '
Hall, ''to hear that Eclipse horses for two of the most prominent
has gained fresh laurels men in southern racing circles, Sir
from the 'ancient domin- Charles for William Ransom Johnson,
ion,' and that the South is and Virginian for Capt. James ].
convinced that the North Harrison. But these individual commis-
can run as well as fight.'' sions did not translate into a steady
When Fisher returned to stream of business, and Fisher could
the northern part of the not maintain a base of work in the
country in the spring of region.
1823 via New York, he and
Hall were among the A Painter of Note
THE NATIONAL SPORTING LIBRARY. crowds in attendance at In 1825 Fisher travelled to Europe.
GIFT OF HARRY T. PETERS JR. Eclipse's successful match When he returned to the United States
The NSL 's portrait ofA merican Eclipse was painted against Henry at the Union in 1826, his works had begun receiv-
in 1823, the year that the horse won the greatest Course. ing public notice, and by 1832 six of
of the North-South match races. The Eclipse portraits are his paintings had been engraved for the
Fisher's best known equine American Turf Register. By then Fisher
If Fisher's barnyard horse is not a works, which is unfortunate as they had shifted his focus to landscape
painting of Duroc, the identity may be clearly vary in quality. While a few of painting and, grudgingly, portraiture
revealed in a letter of Fisher's dated the Eclipse paintings are appealing as a way to make a living, although
Nov. 29, 1822. Two images are examples of Fisher's abilities, other he never entirely abandoned equine
mentioned-a portrait of American images appear to be nothing more than images. He painted portraits of Eclipse
Eclipse and a portrait of a horse which rote copies of an unimaginative and Sir Archie in 1843, and of the trot-
Fisher referred to as Bassorah. The formula. Fisher's awkward anatomical ting horse Matchless as late as 1857.
letter probably refers to the Bassorah constructions afford him little respect In the end, Fisher's skill could not
Arabian, a stallion owned by Van Ranst with current art scholars, but his repu- match his initiative, and artists more
who was imported in 1819, and in tation during his lifetime was positive. suited to handle patrons' demands for
1820 won top prize at the New York Van Ranst commissioned an Eclipse authenticity in animal forms arrived to
Agricultural Society for being the best portrait from Fisher, and later used a capitalize on a growing market for
stud in the state. As Fisher would wood engraving after it by Alexander equine portraits. Fisher's role as a
already have been to the Van Ranst Anderson in his history of the horse, pioneer, however, should be recog-
stables to paint Eclipse, and Hall was An Authentic History of the Celebrated nized. In his hesitant, awkward paint-
interested in portraits of breeding Race Horse American Eclipse (1823). ings of Eclipse and other Thorough-
triumphs, the identity seems logical. Charles C. Wright issued an engraving breds, he inititated the first steps to
Fisher painted numerous copies of after a Fisher painting in 1823, and depicting on canvas the success and
Bassorah, but the horse that command- a color engraving, one of the earliest excitement of American racing.
ed his attention was American Eclipse. in the country, was subsequently made
Przybylek is completing a master's
The eight surviving paintings of the from Wright's copper plate and printed
thesis on Alvan Fisher at the Univer-
horse that he painted between 1822 by Joullain of New York.
sity ofD elaware. She is curator of the
and 1824 are only a fraction of the
portraits he completed. American Seeking Southern Subjects Crawford County Historical Society,
Meadville, Pa.
Eclipse at the Union Course (1823), in Fisher continued his work with
the collection of the National Sporting equine subjects in 1824 and expanded
Library, faithfully follows Fisher's the base into the South. The artist's
formula for depicting the champion. works during this period reflect a
An animal of awkward anatomy stands maturation in handling of the subject
stiffly, accompanied by its trainer and matter and rendering of the anatomy.
jockey, ready to be saddled in antici- Hall continued to be an important
pation of the contest. Sketchy hints of patron. In addition to another portrait
THE NATIONAL SPORTING LIBRARY
race track activity are visible in the of Eclipse, he requested paintings of
background. horses such as Sir Archie. In the por- NEWSLETTER
Fisher not only painted American trait, Sir Archie is portrayed as a solid Fall 1993, No. 38
Eclipse, but he followed word of the bay horse held by his groom, Uncle published three times a year by
horse's exploits. In the winter of 1822, Hardy. Both horse and groom convey The National Sporting Library
Fisher was in Charleston, S.C., where a tangible sense of physique and 301 West Washington Street
he attended the races on several occa- personality, and contemporaries con- P.O. Box 1335
sions. With the growing clamor for a sidered it a good likeness. Middleburg, Virginia 22117
rematch between American Eclipse and Southern breeders began requesting [phone]
a Southern challenger, Fisher's location work from the Boston artist. Virginia Laura Rose, Editor
2 THE NSL NEWSLETTER Fall 1993
COMMENTS FROM The terms of the match were as covered by horsemen, and a triple line
follows: of carriages, in an unbroken chain,
THE CURATOR
"Great match race between American from the dawn of day until one
by Alexander Mackay-Smith Eclipse and Sir Henry, over the Union o'clock, the appointed hour of starting.
Course, Long Island, May 27, 1823. The stands on the ground, for the
Heats four miles, for $20,000. The reception of spectators, were crowd-
Southern gentlemen to be allowed to ed to excess at an early hour, and the
The Eclipse vs.
name their horse at the starting post.'' clubhouse, and balcony extending
Henry Match Race These conditions allowed the South along its whole front, were filled by
to substitute Henry for their original ladies; the whole track, or nearly so,
In the summer of 1822, Charles choice, John Richards, who cut the for a mile distance in circuit, was lined
Henry Hall of the Harlem Stud commis- frog on his foot while exercising and on the inside by carriages and horse-
sioned Alvan Fisher to paint a series of was unfit to race. Under the weight- men, and the throng of pedestrians sur-
portraits of famous race horses. The for-age rules, Henry carried 108 passed all belief-not less than sixty
series was inspired by American pounds, Eclipse 126. Henry was a thousand spectators were computed to
Eclipse, who on May 27, 1823, was vic- young race horse at the top of his form. be in the field.''
torious in the greatest of the North vs. Eclipse had made three seasons at The first heat was a disaster for
South match races. Over 60,000 specta- stud, and had raced only three times Eclipse, a race horse who had to be rid-
tors were on hand at the Union Course, since 1819. den hard from start to finish. This was
Long Island, to watch as Eclipse of the beyond the powers of his jockey,
North bested Henry of the South. The Napoleon Battles Oysters William Crafts, who weighed only 100
American Eclipse was a grandson of The Southern forces were com- pounds. His efforts were limited to use
imported Diomed, winner of England's manded by Col. Johnson, the most of the whip, which only wounded the
first Epsom Derby (1780). The young- eminent authority in the country on horse.
ster showed so much promise that, race horse preparation and racing tac- The second heat was decisive. In
when he was only five months old, his tics. This advantage unfortunately Eclipse's earlier victories, he had been
breeder, Gen. Nathaniel Coles, named evaporated when Col. Johnson ate a ridden by Samuel Purdy, a gentleman
him after the great English 18th- plate of oysters which contained him rider and the best jockey of his time.
century race horse Eclipse (1764). to his bed the next day. He never Purdy, now 38 years old, retired and
American Eclipse grew into a reached the race. out of condition, was in the stands for
c 15.1-hand, massively-built chestnut. The classic account of the race was the match race. When asked, he con-
He was owned by Cornelius Van Ranst, published in the September 1830 issue sented to ride.
who was backed by a syndicate head- of the American Turf Register and Colden watched the second heat on
ed by John C. Stevens of Castle Point Sporting Magazine under the sobri- horseback, accompanied by a friend,
Stud, Hoboken, N.]. quet ''An Old Turfman.'' This was Cad- John Buckley. Colden wrote:
Henry, the Southern champion, was wallader R. Colden, who later founded "Mr. Purdy, having mounted his
managed by Col. William Ransom and edited the New York Sporting favorite, was perfectly at home and
Johnson of the Oakland Stud, Peters- Magazine and the United States Sport- self-confident. The signal being again
burg, Va., who was dubbed "The ing Magazine. given, he went off rapidly from the
Napoleon of the Turf." Foaled in 1819, Colden, who had made careful start; Sir Henry being now entitled to
Henry was a double grandson of notes, wrote: the inside, took the track, and kept the
Diomed. He was a slightly-built chest- "The road from New York to the lead, followed closely by Eclipse,
nut and stood 14.3 hands. course, a distance of eight miles, was whom Mr. Purdy at once brought to
NSL COLLECTION. COLLECTION OF THE JOCKEY CLUB.
Edward Troye painted these portraits of the victor, American Eclipse (left), and the Southern challenger, Henry.
Fall 1993 THE NSL NEWSLETTER 3
they had proceeded a little more than The next morning he arose from his
half way round the sweep, the horses former bed of pain and, with the back-
were a dead lap; when about three- ing of several Southern turfmen, issued
fourths round, Eclipse's quarter a challenge for a return match, with
covered Henry's head and neck, and the stakes to be set at any sum between
just as they had finished the bend, and $20,000 and $50,000. Mr. Stevens' re-
were entering upon the straight run, ply is the epitome of sportsmanship
which extends along the back part of and good manners, expressed with
the course, Eclipse for the first time polished elegance:
was fairly clear, and ahead. ''Dear Sir: The bet just decided was
"He now with the help of the per- made under circumstances of excite-
suaders, which were freely bestowed, ment, which might in some measure
kept up his run, and continued gradu- apologize for its rashness, but would
ally, though slowly, to gain during the scarcely justify it as an example; and
remaining three-quarters of a mile, and I trust the part I took in it will not be
came in about two lengths ahead. As considered as a proof of my intention
they passed up the stretch or last to become a patron of sport on so ex-
quarter of a mile, the shouting, clap- tensive a scale. For myself, then, I must
ping of hands, waving of handker- decline the offer. For the gentlemen
chiefs, long and loud applause sent who with me backed Eclipse, their
ENGRA VEDBY A.L. DICK FROM A
forth by the Eclipse party, exceeded all confidence in his superiority, I may
PORTRAIT BY HENRY INMAN.
description; it seemed to roll along the safely say, is not in the least impaired.
Col. William Ransom Johnson, leader
track as the horses advanced, resem- But even they do not hesitate to be-
of the Southern forces, ate a plate of
bad oysters the night before the race bling the loud and reiterated shout of lieve that old age and hard service may
and spent race day in bed. contending armies." one day accomplish what strength and
fleetness, directed by consummate
his work, knowing that game and The Champion Eclipses Henry skill, has hitherto failed to accomplish.
stoutness was his play, and his only In effect the match was over. At the "For Mr. Van Ranst I answer that he
chance of success, that of driving his start of the third heat, Purdy took owes it to the association who have so
speedy adversary, up to the top of his Eclipse to the front and stayed there. considently supported him, to the state
rate, without giving him the least Nearing the finish, Henry's jockey, at large, who have felt an expressed so
respite ... '' John Walden, made desperate efforts much interest in his success, and to
At the end of the third mile Purdy to overtake the leader without success. himself as a man, not totally divested I
made his run, moving up ''nose and Colden commented: "Thus terminat- of feeling, never, on any consideration,
tail" to Henry. Soon Eclipse was pass- ed the most interesting race ever run to risk the life or reputation of the
ing Henry, a development not unno- in the United States. Besides the origi- noble animal, whose generous, and
ticed by Buckley. Colden noted: nal stake of $20,000 each, it was almost incredible exertions, have
"Here Buckley vociferated: See judged that upwards of $200,000 gained for the North so signal a
Eclipse! Look at Purdy! By heaven on changed hands." victory, and for himself such well-
the inside! I was all attention ... When Col. Johnson was still not satisfied. earned and never failing renown.''
Finding it impossible to find a book? Try Interlibrary Loan!
Maybe you read about it in a book review, saw its title down in quite some time.
buried deep in a list of footnotes or heard about it from The request may come back unfulfilled if the book is
a friend. You want to read that book-you've got to read missing, on loan or a permanent resident of the reference
that book-and soon. Within days you've searched shelf. In addition, libraries often don't lend books that are
every library and bookstore in town to no avail. By now old, fragile, rare or full of "color reproductions suitable
you'd pay any price just to hold a copy in your hands, for framing," though some will provide photocopies
though you have no idea if you'll even like the book or or photographs of such materials for a fee. If a request
find it the least bit useful. What can you do? is returned empty, your librarian can try to borrow
Back up a few steps to your local library, and try inter- the book from other libraries. Sometimes the book
library loan. Chances are excellent that, like the NSL and arrives within days, as if by magic, but other times the
over 16,000 other libraries, your library participates in the process requires patience of both the librarian and the
interlibrary loan network through OCLC (the Online Com- borrower.
puter Library Center, Dublin, Ohio). Since it began inter- Some interlibrary loans come with restrictions. If the
library loan services in the early 1970s, OCLC has filled book is fragile, the lending library may ask that you not
over 44 million interlibrary loan requests. make photocopies. Usually your local library will let you
Participating libraries enter their holdings onto the OCLC check out the book and take it home, but some books, like
network. They search the network to see what titles other the NSL's, are sent out with the restriction "library use (,
libraries hold, and then request the titles by computer or only." The NSL does not lend out books to individuals, "-
mail. Many libraries have a whole team of librarians who and we ask that other libraries treat our books, some of
do nothing but request and fill interlibrary loans, which which are nearly impossible to replace, the same way.
can actually be a bit of a challenge, as it often entails track- For more information on interlibrary loan, contact your
ing down just the sort of book that no one has tracked local library or NSL Librarian Laura Rose at [phone].
4 THE NSL NEWSLETTER Fall 1993
HORSE LITERATURE QUIZ Answers on
c page 10
1. Time I Was Dead is the autobiography of which British artist?
2. Name the foxhunting classic that was first published-anonymously-in 1781.
3. Who wrote the first volume of Racing in America?
4. Why was A General System of Horsemanship, by William Cavendish, Duke of Newcastle, first published
in French?
5. In 1944 artist and author Sir Alfred Munnings was elected president of which British institution?
6. Name the legendary publisher of the Derrydale Press.
7. What sporting periodical did "Nimrod" (Charles Apperley) write for?
8. Complete these Paul Brown titles: Spills and , Hits and ____ , and Ups and
9. Pat Lyne's Shrouded in the Mist is about which pony breed?
10. What pseudonym was used by Henry Hall Dixon, author of Silk and Scarlet, Saddle and Sirloin and
other titles?
11. Name the 1981 Dick Francis book in which a steeplechase jockey becomes entangled in a mystery
".. '-A
:::~e:n~~:!:r:::d:;:;,;o;;:e:z:::o:::::::/ /~::~"'( .~~
l2. photos. _ ..
the career of which turf luminary? ....-;;- -1
·-~~
13. Which American hunt was Alexander Henry
_. )
Higginson, author of British and American
Sporting Authors, master of? (" · _,..
\ i'!j:
14. Name the Athenian whose 4th century B.C. *~' ~~-
book on horsemanship is considered ,,
invaluable even today. \
15. Name the American author who wrote The Mil/beck
Hounds and many other foxhunting favorites. f -,.
~~_:!r -....'-!h_~'-.. '
16. Which equine artist is the subject of Alexander -.J ~
Mackay-Smith's The Race Horses of America?
17. What sporting periodical did John Stuart Skinner
publish from 1830-1844?
18. Rudyard Kipling's story The Maltese Cat
deals with which horse sport?
19. Name the horse whose unsuccessful
Grand National bid is chronicled in
William Clothier's A Story of a Great
Horse and a Foolish Undertaking.
Hint: He won the Maryland Hunt Cup
in 1949, 1950 and 1952 with
D.M. Smithwick in the irons.
a famous showjumper's autobiography.
Who was the subject, and what was
the title of the first part?
21. In what country was Federico Grisone's
1550 Gli Ordini di Cava/care published?
22. Name the Russian-born horseman who wrote
Horseman's Progress, How a Horse jumps
and other equitation classics.
.,
23. Homer Davenport is known for his book t..l
My Quest of the Horse.
~
24. What was the nationality of Nuno Oliveira, dressage -~\)
rider and author of Reflections on Equestrian Art? \)..'' -l . ~r-., C...·(..t , .)(:' (/' ::---....
25. Harry Worcester Smith's Life and Sport in Aiken This illustration is from Paul Brown's
highlights which sporting family? Spills and (see question 8).
Fall 1993 THE NSL NEWSLETTER 5
NSL Newsbriefs
Are you ready to place your bids for Collections Department, Smithsonian 1994. [phone]. Koehler is best
the 1993 duplicate book sale? Catalogs Institution Libraries, Washington, D.C. known for his sensitive paintings of
for the sale, which is the NSL's main When collating a book, Wells makes horse racing. This exhibition include
fundraiser, were mailed to NSL mem- certain that all plates, maps and other works on polo and foxhunting as well.
bers in mid-October. The deadline for illustrations are all in order; notes tears
NY. SARATOGA SPRINGS. National
bids will be Friday, Nov. 19. or other damage that a conservator
Museum of Racing. "Skip Dickstein
This year the sale includes a special may later repair; checks for binding
Photographs." December 1993-March
"side show." A number of sporting errors, such as misnumbered pages or
1994. [phone]. The museum
book authors and publishers have mixed-up leaves; and makes notes of
presents a show of Dickstein's photo-
donated special copies of their books interest to readers and librarians that
graphs of the world of Thoroughbred
to the sale. Don't miss this opportunity a cataloger will add to the record when
racing.
to bid on signed books by Dick Francis, cataloging the book.
William Steinkraus, Paul Mellon, Major The process is time-consuming, due VA. RICHMOND. Virginia Museum of
GeneralJ.R. Burton, Bert de Nemethy in part to the fact that many of the Fine Arts. "George Catlin's 'Indian
and other noted authors. books can easily distract the most Gallery:' Views of the American
We invite you to visit the Library focused eye. To date Wells has, over West." Oct. 8, 1993-Jan. 30, 1994.
weekdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. three separate day-long sessions, (804) 367-0852. Catlin journeyed
to peruse the collection. We would be collated 160 of the 205 von Hunersdorf across North American to document
happy to point out items that may be items. The NSL greatly appreciates the native Americans in their natural
of interest to you. expertise, time and assistance that she habitats, creating a collection of works
Please note: Bids will only be ac- has offered in conjunction with the later dubbed the "Indian Gallery. "
cepted from members whose dues are von Hunersdorf collection.
WY. LARAMIE. University of Wyoming
up-to-date. If your membership has
••••• Art Museum. "Saddlemaking in
expired, you will be notified and asked
Wyoming: History, Utility & Art."
to renew before your bids are honored. The following is a list of exhibitions
Sept. 11, 1993-Jan. 2, 1994. (307)
that NSL members may find of interest.
••••• 766-6622. Twenty-two saddles, related
A contact number is included; we en-
photographs and other historical
The von Hunersdorf collection is courage you to check schedules and
materials illustrate the craft and artis-
now "in residence" at the NSL. Please hours before attending.
try of Wyoming saddlemakers past and
stop by and let us share some of these r
CT. NEW HA VEN. Yale Center for present.
books with you. You'll see incredibly
British Art. "Toil and Plenty: Images ~
beautiful hand-colored plates, exqui-
of the Agricultural Landscape in Eng-
site bindings and original texts of some Welcome New Friends
land, 1780-1890." January 15-March
of the ultimate classics of horse-
13, 1994. [phone]. Images of Mrs. C. McGhee Baxter/
manship.
the British landscape by some of Eng- Charlottesville, Va.
The books arrived in a 400-pound
land's greatest artists, illustrators and Eleanor Campbell/York, Maine
wooden crate from England. After NSL
photographers, including George Mrs. Neal G. Clement/Killen, Ala.
Director Peter Winants and Librarian Barbara T. Engel/Durango, Colo.
Stubbs, J.M.W. Turner and John
Laura Rose unpacked the nearly 200 Carol Englender/Sudbury, Mass.
Constable.
books, the "collating" began with our Anne 0 . Frey/Stanfordville, N.Y.
rare book expert, NSL board member KY. LEXINGTON. International Museum Mr. and Mrs. M. Tyson Gilpin/
Ellen Wells, who is head of the Special of the Horse, Kentucky Horse Park. ''A Boyce, Va.
Celebration of the Max Greenberg/New York, N.Y.
Mr. and Mrs. Louis Hering/Hume, Va.
Horse Park." Nov.
Paige Horine/Ruxton, Md.
12, 1993-March 14,
Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Ketzler/Omaha, Neb.
1994. [phone].
Jean Kraus/Fulton, Mo.
Two of the Ken-
Mr. and Mrs. Roy Lerman/
tucky Horse Park's Middleburg, Va.
annual programs are Roger Maher/Woodstock, Vt.
"Art at the Park" Mark Murray/New York, N.Y.
and "Photo Day;" Phenotype Books/
the exhibition will Penrith, Cumbria, U .K.
include photo- Steven D. Price/New York, N.Y.
Gordon G. Smith/Somerville, N.J.
graphs and other
Mignon C. Smith/Washington, D.C.
artworks by instruc-
Leonard Sogg/Chagrin Falls, Ohio
tors and program
Christine Taylor/Washington, D.C.
participants.
Joan Thiele/Raeford, N.C.
U.S. Combined Training Association/
KY. LOUISVILLE.
Topsfield, Mass.
Kentucky Derby
S. Bonsal White/Monkton, Md.
COURTESY OF THE ARTIST. Museum. "The Art
The Very Rev. J.L.B. Williams/
The Kentucky Derby Museum features the works ofH enry of Henry Koehler.''
White Post, Va.
Koehler, painter of "Point to Point Gossip. " Oct. 18, 1993-Jan. 2,
6 THE NSL NEWSLETTER Fall 1993
Gift Horses
New Arrivals
The NSL would like to extend a
( 'farm thank you to Mary P. Stephenson
\ J'f Southern Pines, N.C. Mrs. Stephen- BOOKS
son donated an extensive collection of
Birdsall, P.H./The Compendium of Sport Horse Bloodlines (Brantford
horse books centering on foxhunting.
Ontario, Canada: Equine Bloodlines, 1987) '
A good number of these books were
Blake, Henry/Thinking with Horses (North Pomfret, Vt.: Trafalgar
not previously held by the NSL, such
Square, 1993)
as John Allen's Principles ofR iding for
British Show Jumping Association/Show jumping (London: Educational
Ladies (London: Thomas Tegg, 1825);
Productions, n.d.)
John Board's From Point to Point
Christie's Monaco/Livres Rares Sur La Chasse, Collection jean Berger
(London: Christopher Johnson, 1953);
(Monte Carlo: Christie's, 1993)
John Mills' The Life of a Racehorse
(London: Ward, Lock & Tyler, 1868); Couch-Keen, Glenda/Equestrienne Australis (Sprighton, South Australia: 0
The Side-Saddle Association of S.A., 1990)
and Clarence Blair Mitchell's The
Francis, Dick/Comeback (New York: Ballantine, 1993)
"AB C" ofR iding to Hounds (Prince-
Francis, Dick/Knockdown (New York: Ballantine, 1993)
ton, N .J.: Princeton University
Francis, Dick/Longsbot (New York: Ballantine, 1992)
Press, 1916). We are happy to add these
Ffrench-Blake, R.L.V.llntermediate Dressage (Boston: Houghton Mifflin
titles, and many others, to the NSL col-
1977) '
lection.
Herrick, John B./Prescripttons for Healthy Farm Animals (Brookfield
Thanks are also in order for Capt.
Wis.: Farmer's Digest, 1991) '
John Fritz, well-known for his leader-
Hodges, Jo/The Equine Athlete (North Pomfret, Vt.: Trafalgar Square
ship of the United States Equestrian
1992) '
Team and the United States Pony Clubs.
Karter, John/Lester (London: Headline, 1992)
Fritz donated a collection of books
Katz, Gary R./The Equine Legal Handbook (Middletown, Md.: Half Halt
highlighting dressage, show jumping
Press, 1993)
and horsemanship, a number of which
Limerick, Patricia/The Legacy of Conquest (New York: Norton, 1988)
he himself contributed to.
Lorch, Janet/From Foal to Full-Grown (London: David & Charles, 1993)
The NSL would also like to acknowl-
Marshall, Leonie/Dressage (London: Batsford, 1993)
edge the kind gifts of the following
Miller, Robert/Imprint Training of the Newborn Foal (Colorado Springs,
donors: Sandy Powers of Washington,
Colo.: Western Horseman, 1991)
, ).C.; Jan Spink of Charlottesville, Va.;
Mortimer, Monty/Competition Training (London: David & Charles 1993)
Mrs. June H. McKnight of Norwich,
Phillips, Mark/Horse and Hound Book of Eventing (New York: H~well
Vt.; Shirley Murphy of Charlottesville,
1993) '
Va.; Ellen B. Wells of Alexandria, Va.;
Roberts, Tris/Equestrian Technique (London: J.A. Allen, 1992)
Frank Lessiter of Brookfield, Wis.; and
Scheid, Dan W. and H. Lee Schwanz/How to Buy a Healthy Horse ...
Laura Rose of Middleburg.
And Keep Him That Way (Brookfield, Wis.: Farmer's Digest, 1985)
Last but not least, a special thanks to
Sly, Debby/Mary Thomson's Eventing Year(London: David & Charles, 1993)
The Chronicle of the Horse magazine,
Smith, Sharon/The Performance Mare (New York: Howell, 1993)
with whom the NSL shares the Vine
Societe Hippique Francais/Guide des Organlsateurs et Amateurs de
Hill mansion. After the Chronicle's
Concours Hippiques (Paris: Charles-Lavauzell, n.d.)
editorial staff members review books
they don't take them home to add t~ Spink, Jan/The Therapy Horse: A Model for Standards and Competencies
(Durango, Colo.: Barbara Engel Therapy Services, 1993)
their own personal collections. The
Stanley, Edward/The Young Horsewoman's Compendium (Alton Bay,
books are donated to the NSL, provid-
N.H.: Yesteryear, 1992)
ing the Library with some of the
Talbot-Ponsonby, jack/Equestrian Olympic Games: Rome, 1960 (London:
newest titles on the market. During the
Cassell, 1960)
last four months, the Chronicle has
Thelwell, Norman/Thelwell Country (London: Methuen, 1959)
donated 15 books.
Thelwell, Norman/Wrestling with a Pencil (London: Methuen, 1986)
Tickner, John/Tickner's Horse Enyclopaedia (London: Putnam & Co.
1960) ,
Tickner, John/To Hounds with john Tickner (London: Putnam & Co.
1962) ,
U.S. Polo Association/1993 Yearbook (Lexington, Ky.: U.S.P.A., n.d.)
Wallace, Jane/Poles and Grldwork (Addison, Buckingham, England: The
Kenilworth Press, 1993)
Wallace, Jane/Solving Flatwork Problems (Addington, Buckingham,
England: The Kenilworth Press, 1993)
( Walrond, Sallie/Driving a Harness Horse (London: J.A. Allen, 1992)
Wanless, Mary/Ride with Your Mind (North Pomfret, Vt.: Trafalgar
Square, 1991)
Fall 1993 THE NSL NEWSLETTER 7
Book News and Reviews
TEACHING THE MATURE RIDER. would definitely provide the riding bruises, shock, fever, skin irritation~
Martin Diggle. J.A. Allen & Co., 1 instructor with reminders and new dehydration, eye injuries, founder ar ) I
Lower Grosvenor Place, London, ideas, and the older beginner with strains.
England SWlW OEL. 1993. Paper- encouragement. A quote by Jen Hsou Lin at the
back. 125 pp. Illus. S 15.00. K.B. beginning of the book sums up its
entire theme, as well as the viewpoints
Books that introduce the beginner to HEALING YOUR HORSE, ALTER- of the authors: "It matters not whether
riding basics are usually not geared NATIVE THERAPIES. Meredith L. medicine is old or new, so long as it
toward a particular age group. If a Snader, V.M.D.; Sharon L. Wil- brings about a cure."
book does appeal to a specific au- loughhby, D.V.M., D.C.; Deva Kaur A.S.
dience, it is usually the younger set, as Khalsa, V.M.D.; Craig Denega,
the "horse bug" most often bites dur- B.A.; and Ihor John Basko, D.V.M. MAKING NOT BREAKING. Cherry
ing one's pre-teen years. Riding Howell Book House, Macmillan Hill. Breakthrough, 310 North
schools, 4-H groups and Pony Clubs Publishing Company, 866 Third Highland Ave., Ossining, N.Y.
provide outlets for the youth who Ave., New York, N.Y. 10022. 1993. 10562. 1992. 244 pp. Illus. Index.
wants to become involved with horses. 200 pp. Illus. Index. $25.00. Bibliography. Glossary. $24.95.
In his book Teaching The Mature
Rider, Martin Diggle reminds readers Keeping your horse healthy, happy Making Not Breaking is for the rider
that there is another set of aspiring and sound is no easy feat. Daily traumas who has been riding for some time but
riders who have long since passed their and injuries may not be readily cured may not have much experience with
prime Pony Club years. The book is by traditional medical means. Turning young horses and their training. Cherry
written for the riding instructor who to alternative therapies may be the Hill, respected horsewoman and pro-
is teaching the "mature" rider; the in- answer. lific writer, takes the reader step by
structor could be new at teaching such Healing Your Horse, Alternative step through the first year of training
riders, or just in search of some instruc- Therapies is an in-depth look at safe under saddle for English and West ern
tion reminders. Diggle's clear and con- alternatives for equine conditions horses.
cise text would also be both helpful difficult to treat with conventional One would assume that most read-
and interesting for the mature student therapy. The "natural" cures discussed ers interested in this book would have
about to embark on riding lessons. include: acupuncture-using the some background with horses an
In his introduction, Diggle explains body's meridians, which control blood training. For these people, much of tL
what he means by the broad term flow, to help activate recuperative training principles and behavior
"mature rider," and discusses why such powers and achieve healing; chiro- modifications suggested by Hill are not
riders need special consideration. The pratic-spinal manipulation to restore exactly breakthroughs, but it does help
author stresses the importance of com- flexibility and spinal alignment; at times to be reminded of some of the
munication between adult riders and homeopathy-medicinal remedies for simple principles behind successful
their instructors. He advises instructors common ailments; massage-manipula- training. Riders should be aware of the
to understand their students' motiva- tion to increase range of motion, elasti- horse's natural reflex points; the book
tions and athletic backgrounds- city and circulation within tissue; and provides a reflex chart with clear ex-
important aspects of instruction that herbal-the healing qualities of plants, planations. They should also be
are easily overlooked. He also includes to stimulate the regeneration of cells. familiar with the horse's instinctive
a section on "the value of humor," Each chapter, which discusses one reactions to certain stimuli; the book
which could benefit any student and type of treatment, is written by a prac- provides a guide to reading such reac-
teacher. titioner who specializes in that partic- tions. There is also a chapter on be-
Diggle's chapter on physical con- ular therapy for equines. All of the havior modification.
siderations reminds an instructor of the authors are very precise in their infor- At points the book does go into
physical limitations that young riders mation, with several relevant examples detail that is not neccessarily common
don't contend with, such as hip prob- of problems and their treatment. knowledge, such as how different
lems and arthritis, but he balances his The treatments discussed offer some metals in bits affect the horse's rate of
discussion of a mature rider's limita- very valid options for drugless, non- saliva production. It also provides in-
tions with the positive aspects that can abusive solutions to chronic equine sight into the steps and equipment
make their instruction a gratifying ex- problems. None of these therapies are necessary to help set up a positive
perience. An example is their desire to intended to replace sound medical ad- learning experience for the young
benefit from the teaching/learning vice of veterinarians. Instead, they are horse in training.
process, which most young students simply "keys from the past that will Throughout the book Hill provides
don't value as highly. unlock the door to your horse's checklists that allow readers to better
Teaching The Mature Rider does a future," says author Meredith L. Snader. gauge where their horse is in his or her
complete job of covering all areas that All are from ancient Asian healing tra- training. The book ranges from th
any learn-to-ride book should include ditions. They are suggested as treat- simple lessons of preparing to mom
while making them specific to the ment for several equine conditions, to the final chapters which begin to in-
mature riding student. The humorous including arthritis, laminitis, navicular, troduce the concept of collection and
illustrations provide the reader with a respiratory conditions, reproductive bending.
few chuckles while reading. The book disorders, gait disorders, wounds, c.s.
8 THE NSL NEWSLETTER Fall 1993
UIMK.E ON DRESSAGE, FROM
(
~E YOUNG HORSE THROUGH
GRAND PRIX. Reiner Klimke and
Werner Ernst. Half Halt Press,
6416 Burkittsville Rd., Middle-
town, Md. 21769. 1992. 112 pp.
Illus. $49.95.
This book was first published in Ger-
many in 1991 under Von der Schonheit
der Dressur (the beauty of dressage),
which is an appropriate title because
Werner Ernst's pictures are marvelous.
Included are portraits of many of the
great horses of past decades-Granat
(Christine Stuckelberger), Corlandus
(Margit Otto-Crepin), Gauguin de Lully
(Stuckelberger), Rembrandt (Nicole
Uphoff), Matador (Kyra Kyrklund),
Federleicht (Robert Dover), Dynasty
(Cindy Ishoy), Ganimedes (Monica
Theodorescu) and Marzog (Anne-
FROM KLIMKE ON DRESSAGE BY REINER KLIMKE AND WERNER ERNST.
Grethe Jensen). There are many
COURTESY OF HALF HALT PRESS.
pictures of Klimke on Ahlerich, the
This 1988 photo by Werner Ernst shows a pas de trois ofg reat dressage champions
Olympic gold medal winner at the 1984
(L-R): Corlandus (Margit Otto-Crepin of France), Ahlerich (Dr. Reiner Klimke of
Olympics in Los Angeles. A personal
Germany) and Gauguin de Lully (Christine Stucke/berger of Switzerland).
picture favorite is Ahlerich leaving the
ring after his seventh German cham-
pionship in 1988 at age 17.
THE HORSE AND HOUND BOOK myself: Does he understand? Is he find-
Klimke's text, on the other hand,
OF EVENTING. Capt. Mark Phillips. ing it difficult to do what is requested?
.vhich traces the development of horses
Howell Book House, Macmillan Is he being obstinate or lazy? Is he
from their 4-year-old year at the Ger-
Publishing Co., 866 Third Ave., bored, under-exercised or tired? When
man equivalent of our training level up
NewYork,N.Y. 10022. 1993. 160 there is a problem and something is not
to Grand Prix, is superficial; the only
pp. Illus. Index. $27.00. being achieved, it is esential to find out
real insight into intricate dressage
the reason. You must keep asking,
movements is through the photo
The timing of this book for American 'Why?' "
cutlines.
readers is excellent, as Capt. Phillips, Phillips doesn't pull any punches in
I also have problems with the appen-
the four-time winner of the Badminton advising riders on the cross-country
dix section, "Champions of Dressage,"
(England) Three-Day Event, has recent- phase of eventing: "The most impor-
which lists the Olympic medalists,
ly been named chef d'equipe of the tant principle is to want to do it, to be
1912-1988; the World Champions,
United States Equestrian Team's inter- committed before you start off to get-
1966-1990; and the European Cham-
national eventers. ting to the other side of every fence
pions, 1963-1989. This could have
The chapters in Phillips' book are every time . . . If you are not certain
been a valuable research tool. How-
similar to those in other how-to books about whether you want to go or not,
ever, only the riders' names appear, no
on the subject: choosing and training do yourself and your horse a favor-
horses. Shame.
the horse; the dressage, stadium jump- don't start."
I conclude that the book tries to
ing and cross-country phases; compet- Phillips emphasizes that the welfare
capitalize on Klimke's name, and that
ing in one-day and three-day events; of the horse must never be put in
the title should be along the same lines
and stable management. What puts this jeopardy, regardless of the rider's per-
as the original German title-The
book way above other how-to books sonal ambitions. "Over the years there
Beauty of Dressage.
is Phillips' strong opinions and his have been occasions when riders have
P.W.
ability to draw on specific experiences been guilty of over-using their horses
in making points. on the cross-country. These riders are
I enjoyed Phillips' comparison of a regarded with disdain by their peers
good event horse to an all-around ath- and public alike and never really
lete, that he must be the equivalent of recover from the smear on their repu-
''Horses and poets should be fed,
(_ a decathlete, a jack of all trades. Phil- tation."
not overfed. "
lips then points out that successful The USET is fortunate to have Phil-
riders of these athletes must be psy- lips. His book is must reading for
- Charles IX of England
chologists of sorts. He said: "I have novice eventers, and interesting read-
learnt to think like a horse. If a horse ing for veteran eventers.
is not responding to my aids, I ask P.W.
Fall 1993 THE NSL NEWSLETTER 9
Seen in the Stacks . . .
Visitors:
1. Cecil Aldin.
• Antonia Gordon, a veterinary student at The Veterinary College of Ireland in
2. Peter Beckford's
Dublin, took a peek at some of the NSL's rare books on early veterinary medicine. Thoughts on
• Fred Stone of Middleburg reviewed the beagling diaries of Mr. and Mrs. David Hunting.
B. Sharp. 3. John Hervey. ··(·
• Stacy Bearse, publisher of The Blood-Horse magazine in Lexington, Ky., enjoyed 4. The English duke
a look at the NSL's rare book collection. was living in France, ·'i'.L '
• Sean Clancy, a steeplechase jockey from West Grove, Pa., and Anne Kontos, an a refugee from the
Cromwell regime.
event rider from Upperville, Va., enjoyed books on racing and three-day eventing.
5. The Royal Academy of Arts.
• Thomas J. Carroll of Middleburg researched the founding of the Radnor, Pa.,
6. Eugene V. Connett.
Three-Day Event.
7. The Sporting Magazine.
•Megan Jacobs of the Washington International Horse Show headquarters in
8. Misses, Thrills, Downs.
Gaithersburg, Md., took a tour of Vine Hill. 9. The Connemara.
• The Jewell family of Bluemont, Va., researched prints by George Stubbs. 10. "The Druid."
• Lisa Rosenthal, a combined training rider from Massachusetts, enjoyed books on 11. Reflex.
eventing and dressage. 12. Pierre Lorillard.
•Joe Burgess of the U.S. Pony Clubs in Lexington, Ky., toured the collection and 13. The Middlesex (Mass.) Hounds.
learned what services the NSL can provide for Pony Clubbers around the country. 14. Xenophon.
• Laurel Scott of Middleburg researched the histories of the Blue Ridge and 15. Gordon Grand.
16. Edward Troye.
Warrenton hunts.
17. The American Turf Register
• Derek Day of Bristol, England, a foxhunter with the Duke of Beaufort's pack,
and Sporting Magazine.
perused the foxhunting collection.
18. Polo.
• Bernard Rachner of Haymarket, Va., researched turf legend Mano' War. 19. Pine Pep.
• Richard Powell of Newark, Del., inspected the newly arrived von Hunersdorf 20. Pat Smythe; jump for joy.
Collection. 21. Italy.
• Dr. and Mrs. Robert L. Banner Sr. of Richmond, Va., also enjoyed a look at the 22. Vladimir Littauer.
new collection. Mrs. Banner, a sculptress, pursued books by sporting artist Paul 23. Arabian.
Brown as well. 24. Portuguese.
25. The Hitchcock Family.
•Patricia S. Pearce and Mrs. and Mrs. Warren Packard of Metamora, Mich., browsed
through the foxhunting collection.
•Mary Ashby McDonald of Chantilly, Va., researched horse book publishers.
• Rick and Molly Wilson of Wheaton, Md., and Nancy Deuel of the Equine Sports
Biomechanics Lab at the University of Maryland, College Park, Md., looked into OFFICERS-DIRECTORS
cavalry drill patterns for the university's drill team, and other subjects.
• Mary Millspaugh of Falls Church, Va., and Shirley Lerman of Middleburg looked Chairman of the Board
into the career of sporting artist Martin Stainforth. George L. Ohrstrom Jr.
• Norman Fine of Millwood, Va., did research for an upcoming history of the Nor- President - Peter Winants
folk (Mass.) Hunt. Curator - Alexander Mackay-Smith
• Helen Waldes of Topeka, Kan., enjoyed the NSL's collection of rare books, as Secretary - George A. Horkan Jr.
well as books on dogs and photography. Treasurer - Dale Hogoboom Jr.
• Bob Rush of Middleburg looked through the NSL's horse racing collection.
Asst. Secretary-Treas. - Patricia Boyce
• Mark Strauss, an artist from Maurertown, Va., perused the sporting art books.
Librarian - Laura Rose
• Crystal Brumme of Potomac, Md., took a tour of the collection.
• Florence Hillman of Middleburg researched British sporting artist Henry Alken
DIRECTORS
and old carriage catalogues.
• Eleanor H. Schnabel of Alexandria, Va., researched some of the NSL's books on Arthur W. Arundel
angling. Schnabel, a master's candidate in art history at Virginia Commonwealth John H. Daniels
University, is studying the paintings of 19th-century American artist Worthington Helen K. Groves
Whittredge. Dale Hogoboom Jr.
• Carole Lipski of Leesburg, Va., looked into the history of the Loudoun Hunt. George A. Horkan Jr.
Alexander Mackay-Smith
George L. Ohrstrom Jr.
Phone/Mail:
Pamela B. Ohrstrom
• Tom Geyer of Sturbridge, Mass., researching British sporting artist George Wright. F. Turner Reuter Jr.
• Tom Gilcoyne of the National Museum of Racing in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., William Steinkraus
_,
researching The Gracefield Cup, a 1906 race at the Great Neck, L.I., race course. Ellen B. Wells
• Doreen Margetts of Vancouver, B. C., researching American libraries and museums George A. Weymouth Jr.
that include sporting art and literature. Peter Winants
•Renee Stowers of Pinnacle, N.C., researching the training and breeding of mules. James L. Young
• Susan Rindal of Atlantic Beach, Fla., researching the history of stock ties and
other equestrian apparel.
10 THE NSL NEWSLETTER Fall 1993