James FillisJames Fillis (1834-1913) was English-born and became a revered French riding master. He was taught by Francois Caron, a direct student of Francois Baucher, and then studied with Victor Franconi, owner and director of the Cirque Olympique de Franconi.Fillis was hired to train horses for the French Army during the Franco-Prussian War, and therefore his name is inscribed at Saumur on the roll of Écuyeres Célèbres. While performing with the Ciniselli Circus in St. Petersburg, Russia - he drew the attention of Grand Duke Nicholas, and became Ecuyer en chef at the Russian Cavalry School. Read More Read Less