3o6 HIGH-SCHOOL RIDING. 



rein back by the seat, as I have described (p. 247), and not by 

 the reins. 



It is a mistake to think that we can easily go from the 

 forward passage to the backward passage^ to obtain which it 

 is necessary to make the transition through the natural, slow 

 and high piaffer, which is only the passage without gaining 

 ground. 



It is only when the horse piaffes correctly, that we can try 

 to gain a few inches of ground to the rear at each step. With 

 this object I increase the pressure of the legs. I try to 

 rassembler the horse without pulling him back by the reins, 

 and I sit well down into the saddle, while leaning strongly on 

 each footfall. 



On account of the rassembler being carried to its maximum, 

 the equilibrium and mobility of the horse are such that the 

 slightest displacement of the body of the rider can draw 

 the horse in any direction, as for instance, to the rear, which 

 is the point we are considering. 



- This means of obtaining the passage to the rear is long 

 and difficult ; but it is the only one which gives a good 

 result. 



SEE-SAW PIAFFER. 



In the see-saw piaffer, the off legs ought to be raised and 

 put down in the same place, while the near ones make a 

 beat forward and a beat backward, while always coming back 

 to the same spot. 



The near legs ought not only to mark the going and 

 coming from front to rear, but the near hind quarter and 

 near shoulder ought also to accentuate this movement without 

 any participation on the part of the off legs, which should 

 only piaffe regularly without gaining ground. 



Baucher did this piaffer with great t^clat on a mare called 

 Stades. I have taught this school movement to four horses. 



