We present to the reader the first Polish
translation of a unique Latin equestrian treatise, written and published in
17th-century Poland. It is authored by Jan Bauman Budownicki and titled Equestria,
sive de arte equitandi (Horsemanship, or On the Art of Riding). This
translation is the result of collaboration between classical philologist Dr.
Marcin Loch, Alicja Marczewska, and a specialist in historical horsemanship –
Marcin Ruda.
This edition has been prepared in a bilingual
format, allowing the reader to access both the original Latin text and its
translation side by side.
Until now, for the 16th–17th centuries in
Polish literature, we knew only three equestrian treatises, such as the famous Hippika,
to jest, Księga o koniach (1603) by Krzysztof Dorohostajski, Hippika
albo Sposób poznania, chowania y stanowienia koni (1607) by Krzysztof
Pieniążek, and Gospodarstwo jeździeckie, strzelcze, y myśliwcze…
Thus, the present treatise Eqvestria, Sive
De Arte Eqvitandi (1640) by Jan Budownicki is the fourth work of this kind,
significantly expanding our knowledge of horsemanship in that period.
Budownicki
dedicated this treatise to: “The Most Illustrious, Most Renowned, Noble and
Magnificent Lords, and to the Entire Distinguished Youth.”
At times, treatises were written in abbreviated
form so that students could retain what they had learned after returning home.
It may therefore be assumed that one of the purposes of Budownicki’s
publication was also to pass its contents on to his students.
The introduction itself takes the form of a
dedication and, at the same time, a glorification of the Polish noble youth.
Budownicki also praises the military art of the Poles and emphasizes that the
most important skill is horsemanship: “Without it, one can neither wage
wars, nor boldly attack the enemy, nor finally seize spoils and achieve
victories. Since the whole strength of war lies in the armored horseman...”
The author underscores the importance of
cavalry for the defense of Poland and adds that its methods must be adapted to
fighting “barbarian” nations.
In the main body, the most striking feature
shaping the structure of this treatise is the systematic division of the
described humanistic art—that is, knowledge of the horse and riding it. The
author classifies nearly every aspect of horsemanship in a brilliant and clear
manner. This reflects deep, carefully considered, and non-improvised knowledge
of the subject. Each chapter is meticulously planned and focuses on a different
element, demonstrating a thorough understanding of both the theoretical and practical
aspects of the field.
Based on the information contained in this
treatise, it can be concluded that the style and technique described by the
author align with the broader European tradition of horsemanship.
We have very little information about Jan
Bauman Budownicki. We know that his father was Stefan Bauman, a royal musician
and organist to Sigismund III. Stefan Bauman was likely of German origin, but
after settling in Kraków, he adopted the Polish name Budownicki. Jan Budownicki
most likely worked as a cavalcator (professional rider) at the court of
Sigismund III Vasa, and after his death in 1632, he probably also served
Władysław IV Vasa.
📖 Book details:
Binding: paperback
Language: Latin-Polish
Publication date: 2026
Author: Jan Bauman Budownicki
Editor: Marcin Ruda
Translation: Marcin Loch, Alicja Marczewska
ISBN: 978-83-980294-0-7
Format: B5
Number of pages: 80
Publisher:
