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'On Horsemanship' written c. 350 BC by Xenophon is one of the earliest extant treatises on horsemanship in the Western world. In it Xenophon details the selection, care and training of horses for the use both in the military and for utility purposes. One of the most important qualities in a horse, Xenophon writes, is that it have a fleshy back. This presumably is due to the fact that Xenophon wrote this treatise before the invention of the saddle.
Xenophon's ''On Horsemanship'' is considered to be one of the first works detailing the principles of classical dressage, including training the horse in a manner that is non-abusive.

Contents

Part I: Selecting a Young Horse

Part II: Breaking the Colt

Part III: Selecting an Older Horse

Part IV: Caring for the Horse

Part V: Grooming the Horse

Part VI: Grooming and Bridling the Horse Correctly and Safely

Part VII: Mounting, Rider's Position, and Training

Part VIII: Advanced Training

Part IX: Riding the Spirited and Dull Horse

Part X: Creating a Showy Horse and Advice on Bitting

Part XI: Creating a Parade Horse

Part XII: The Equipment for Battle

Part I: Selecting a Young Horse

Xenophon details what is to be examined when inspecting a horse to buy as a war-mount. He is especially careful to stress the importance of soundness. His recommendations include:

★ A hoof of thick horn, and a frog that is held off the ground.

★ Pasterns that are not too straight and upright, as these will jar the rider and are more likely to become sore, nor too long and low, as they will strike the ground when galloping and will be cut on rocks.

★ Thick cannon bones

★ Good bend in the knees, as the horse is less likely to stumble or to break down

★ Thick and muscular forearms

★ Broad chest, for both beauty and because the legs will be less likely to interfere

★ A neck that is high-set and carried upward. Xenophon believed this would allow the horse to better see what was in front of him, and also make him less able to overpower the rider, because it would be more difficult to put his head down.

★ A bony head with a small jawbone, a soft mouth, and prominent eyes for good vision

★ Large nostrils, for good respiration and a fiercer appearance

★ A large crest and small ears

★ Tall withers, to help hold the rider on, and to give a good attachment between the shoulder and the body

★ A "double spine" (fleshy back), which is softer and more comfortable, as well as prettier

★ A deep, rounded side, which allows the rider to stay on more easily, and allows the horse to better digest his food

★ Broad, short loins, allowing the horse to raise the forehand and engage the hindend (Xenophon describes the ability to collect]), and are stronger than long loins.

★ The hindquarters should be muscular and firm, for speed

★ The gaskins and buttocks should be well separated, so the horse stands wide behind, allowing him to be more balanced, and to give a prouder bearing

★ He should not have large testicles
Xenophon then directs the reader to look at a young colt's cannons to predict his height.
It is interesting to note that many of Xenophon's suggestions are still applied today when selecting a sport horse.

Part II: Breaking the Colt

Xenophon first makes a point to say that the reader should not waste his time nor endanger his health by personally breaking colts.
Before the horse is delivered to the trainer, the owner should know that he has a good temperament and gentle nature. The horse should trust people, knowing that they are the providers of food and water. If this is done correctly, the young colt should grow to love people. The groom should stroke or scratch the colt, so that he enjoys human company, and should take the young horse through crowds to accustom him to different sights and noises. If the colt is frightened, the groom should reassure him, rather than punish him, and teach the animal that there is nothing to fear.

Part III: Selecting an Older Horse

Xenophon writes that these passages are to help the reader from being cheated.
The age of the horse should first be determined. To do so, Xenophon directs the reader to look at the horse's teeth. If the horse has lost all of his