PIAFFER. 59 



Yes. Tlie liorse is so accustomed at the pressure of 

 tlie rider's legs to bring liis liaunclies under him, that 

 he does so at speed also, and I seize that moment to 

 keep him there by throwing myself back, feeling both 

 reins at the same time. 



25. If yoit did not use your legs lohat vjould hap- 

 pen? 



If I did not use my legs, but merely pulled at the 

 bridle, the horse would put his head up or down, and 

 though I should by strength of arm pull him up in 

 time, it would be entirely on his forehand, his hind- 

 quarters up, his loins arched, and I should be thrown 

 up and down in the saddle in a very helpless way, 

 and thus quite unfit to act on an emergency, as the 

 horse would be under no control.* 



PIAFFEK. 



For the " Piaffer" to be regular and graceful, the 

 horse's alternate legs (off fore and near hind, and the 

 near fore and off hind) must be raised and brought to 

 the ground together, the intervals of time between 

 each footfall being made as long as possible. 



* By the above means we can bring the horse in about two months 

 to be, Generally obedient; — Light in hand; — To carry himself well; — 

 '10 walk and trot, steadily and quickly, and always in hand ; — To rein 

 back freely, and close steadily to either hand; — To canter to both 

 hands and. change leg ; — To go about on the forehand and haunches 

 (Pirouette) ; — And thus make him a useful Cavalry horse. 



