Patroclus and Penelope: A Chat in the Saddle

In this lively treatise on the art of riding, a seasoned equestrian shares the hard‑won lessons of three decades spent in the saddle across continents. Written for members of a Boston riding club and aspiring horsemen alike, the work blends practical instruction—from the quiet amble to the daring jump—with witty anecdotes about clubroom debates and the quirks of English versus American tack.

The author’s voice becomes especially compelling when he recounts a wartime injury that cost him a leg, and how he turned that setback into a masterclass in adaptive riding. Detailed illustrations accompany each maneuver, showing everything from a smooth canter to a daring twenty‑foot leap, while the narrative champions comfort, safety, and the idea that good horsemanship transcends any single saddle style. Readers will come away with both concrete techniques and a deeper appreciation for the resilient spirit that keeps a rider in the saddle.