Willow Grove Conservatory Press

The Gallant Mouth is a term used by the ancient horsemen to conjure the glory and artistry of a horse with an exquisitely honed and educated mouth as it interacts with a bit. This book is a renewed source of information; time-honed wisdom from centuries of ecuyers (French: highly skilled horsemen) coupled with adaptation in line with current scientific advancement. The goal is guidance to avoid short-sighted methods that could harm your horse.

In this book, you will find a short history of academic horsemanship, where it began, and how it has developed from the 15th century to the modern era. Chapters focusing on the structures and function of the human hand and the horse’s mouth inform your choices on how to approach your work with your horse. Diagrams and explanations bring context concerning the horse’s head and neck, the interconnectedness throughout the body, and the influence on the overall balance of the horse. Included are clear instructions on how to begin working in-hand from the ground to teach your horse precisely how to respond to the actions of the bit with relaxation. Further guidance on the in-hand work from the walk bridges the understanding of the bit work closer to what the horse will feel while being ridden or driven. This work is focused on the human hand and the connection to the horse’s mouth. This is enough.

The Gallant Mouth is the consolidation of all the books you may not have time to read and all the hours you may not have to ride different horses every day. This is distilled into a meaningful, educational, and utilitarian way forward. If the current equine world can grasp the profound impact this can bring about in the horse AND the rider, the artistry of the ecuyers who rest from their work in the depths of the earth just may have a chance at resurrection. The Gallant Mouth is presented for the admiration of their work and the nobility of the horse.