112 BITS AND BITTING. 



over the entire motive mechanism of the horse, espe- 

 cially the hind legs; but it is only by varying its 

 position that this can be usefully effected by suiting 

 this to the pace, and the direction of the animal's 

 movements ; whilst M. Baucher insisted on one inva- 

 riable position of the head and neck. Moreover, the 

 pull on the reins was not in the direction of the centre 

 of motion, and could not act with precision on the 

 hind legs ; finally, the position of the horse's head 

 and neck were such as rather to increase than diminish 

 the overhanging weight of these members. Compare 

 fig. 3, Part I., with the French hussar a la Baucher 

 in Plate VI., which also shows the immense height and 

 bulk of the pack, and the seat of the rider altogether 

 on the hinder part of the saddle, although no doubt in 

 exaggeration. Baucher's " handling " was almost all 

 done when the horse was standing still, and its effect 

 either became null when the animal was put in motion, 

 or, if preserved, the power of locomotion was seriously 

 impeded. No horse ever voluntarily assumed such a 

 position of his head and neck as that prescribed by M. 

 Baucher in fact, it was wholly unsuited to any form 

 of movement ; it was like attempting to steer a ship that 

 had no way on her. He overlooked altogether the pro- 

 blem of equilibrium in motion, and mistook diminution 

 or restriction of motive power for a perfect command 

 over it, under all circumstances and at every degree of 

 speed. It is unnecessary to add that the demon of 

 restiveness, whose habitation he fancied he had dis- 

 covered in the neck -joint, and whom he constantly 

 attempted to exorcise, was simply the creature of his 

 own phantasy. 



The various purposes to which horses are applied, 



