Sunday, May 20, 2012

Bristol Bits Courtesy of Dick Flint



Wade,
You recently wondered if there is any connection between the horse exhibitor D.M. Bristol and the Bristol bit.  I’ve attached the first several pages of a book I have by Bristol where he advocates his bit and offers them for sale.  There is no publication date on the title page or any copyright notice but the author dated his introduction 1881 and my copy of this book has an owner’s inscription of 1883.

At the start of the second paragraph of his introduction, Bristol mentions several other earlier horsemen who wrote small books and exhibited their work including the famous J.S. Rarey.  Dennis Magner, also mentioned, briefly had his own circus in the early 1870s and published a book on horse training that went through numerous editions by the end of the century.

I think published works such as these are excellent documents in understanding the evolution of managing the horse, the key generally to understanding how animal training has evolved through improved knowledge and always in the direction of greater patience and care.
Dick





'I agree with Historian Richard Flint(I normally do) 100% about the importance of documents and the learning and understanding of history.  Unless you really know the "roots" of something you will never begin to appreciate advance's that have been made and that includes animal training and animal husbandry.  Don't ignore, deny,  sweep it under the rug, look away from history.  Study it and learn from it.'

5 comments:

Ryan Easley said...

Wade,
That Flint guy sure knows his stuff. I always look forward to his visits in Maryland (coming up soon if you are watching, Dick!)

Have you seen the recent news about an HSUS "undercover investigation" regarding soring In Tennessee?

Wade G. Burck said...

Radar,
He sure does. The likes of he, RJR, the Pfenings, and a number of others who have such a storehouse of knowledge and are willing to share it freeing are such valuable asset's to the circus, it is difficult to show them the proper appreciation.

Wade

Wade G. Burck said...

Addendum to Radar,
Yes I was aware of the recent soring issue regarding Tennessee Walkers. Madame Col. made me aware of it a few weeks ago, and I am getting together some "stuff" at the moment.

Wade

Ryan Easley said...

Oh shit. We all know what happens when Wade gets together some "stuff."

Wade G. Burck said...

Radar,
You got it, pal. If the shoe fits......

Wade