COMMENTARIES ON BAUCHER. 333 



precision. His method is specially admirable from the fact 

 that it keeps a horse sound by proper distribution of weight, 

 rational gymnastics, suppling, and a correct development of 

 his powers.* Also it has the great advantage over the old 

 methods of quickly giving results. Thus, with Baucher's 

 method, we can break a hack in two months, and a school 

 horse in eight or ten months. Formerly, the latter result took 

 two or three years to obtain ; and, besides, the old time horse- 

 men never attempted the difficulties which Baucher conquered.^f" 

 I go further, and say that they did not even know that such 

 difficulties existed. 



We should therefore bow with gratitude before this master of 

 the equestrian art. Is this equivalent to saying that Baucher 

 should be exempt from criticism ? Certainly not ; and for 

 my part, I am far from agreeing with all his ideas. I even 

 think that it is my duty to oppose those proceedings of his 

 which I have found to be wrong. In this book I have had 

 occasion several times to show up certain mistakes of the great 

 horseman. I shall now criticise some of his opinions. 



* I have adopted in my work what I call the three golden keys of Baucher's 

 method ; namely, his complete suppling exercises, with greater elevation of the 

 head and neck ; his attacks with the spurs, to enclose the horse ; and his 

 rassemhlci; which I have perfected. 



Apart from this, I have worked more on the lines of the old school of Versailles 

 than on those of Baucher, in that I always advocate fast paces, and that the horse 

 should be allowed to extend himself. 



t Up to the present time I have broken thirty-five school horses, which is more 

 than anyone else has done. Baucher, who died when he was seventy-four, broke 

 twenty-six. Being only fifty-six, I hope to double that number when I am as old 

 as the great rider. I have broken hundreds of hacks. 



I do not pretend to be cleverer than my illustrious predecessors. I know that 

 before my time others have done as well, and perhaps better. I mention these facts 

 only to show the results of my method. I am certain that every horseman who 

 wishes to follow it will be able to obtain similar results, provided that he is properly 

 endowed by Nature, and that he loves horses. 



Few authors have described a correct method of breaking in the proper sense of 

 the word. I have read all the books on equitation, and find that none of them 

 are perfect. 



