Captain Elie de Galard Terraube's French collection on the Arabian horses of Syria and the art of horse training

circa 1899-1936

Captain Elie de Galard Terraube's French collection on the Arabian horses of Syria and the art of horse training, dating from around 1899 to 1936, chronicles French horsemanship primarily during the interwar period. The collection, assembled by de Galard Terraube, focuses on Syrian horses used by the Armée du Levant. It reveals the intersection of French equestrian and military history with the history of Syria, while providing insight into the horse trade during the era. The collection contains unpublished manuscripts, military reports, correspondence, photographs, sketches, and watercolor paintings. It is arranged alphabetically by format or title.

Correspondence includes letters written by de Galard Terraube on the subject of horse training. Some letters also discuss military ranks and responsibilities. A hand-drawn map (titled Tribus Arabes de Syrie depicting fortifications under the command of the 312th Brigade is held with the correspondence, as are several reports.

The drawings, which include dozens of sketches as well as several watercolor paintings, depict horses in various poses, equestrian equipment, riders, and horse measurements. The drawings appear to originate from multiple sources and are likely drawn by different people. Many drawings have extensive notes written in the margins, and some were used for military purposes.

There is a typescript essay by Marie-Henri de Mauléon titled "La Manière d'emboucher les chevaux." This essay was published in a 1908 issue of the magazine Le Sport universel illustré.

Additionally, the collection holds an unpublished 1936 typescript draft by de Galard Terraube on the work of de Mauléon. De Galard Terraube hoped to have the document published and used by French cavalry units, an endeavor he writes about in the draft. Several draft copies, notes, and a few illustrations are held here.

Also featured in the collection is an elaborate 1923 report written by de Galard Terraube in Hama, Syria to the French Minister of War (André Maginot, whose name is not mentioned in the report). The report discusses purchasing horses from Bedouin tribes, horse dealers, different breeds, and the transportation of horses. Twenty-two photographs of horses are included in the report, along with a map depicting locations of Bedouin tribes titled Tribus arabes de Syrie.