Chapter IIL--SUPERIOR EQUITATION 



(Education of the Officer.) 



Superior equitation is only the normal development and 

 exact application to the use of the horse of the principles 

 which serve as a basis in the instruction of troopers and 

 noncommissioned officers. It is taught especially at the 

 Cavalry School and is addressed always to a selected per- 

 sonnel. Its object is to develop the enterprising spirit of 

 officers and to make them clever instructors, well versed 

 in the various requirements of their calling. 



From the theoretical point of view this instruction in- 

 cludes a knowledge of the principal methods of equitation 

 as well as the several means of training. It also comprises 

 a thorough study of all subjects of which a true horseman 

 should have knowledge. 



In practice, besides the most bold riding, it involves 

 riding based on rational principles as well as the application 

 of the laws and methods having the training of the horse 

 as its object. 



Superior equitation also teaches the man to preserve 

 in the midst of the greatest difficulties, a perfect seat, great 

 firmness, and an exactness and "finesse" in the aids joined 

 to absolute knowledge of their use; finally the ease and 

 correctness of position which prove the control of the rider 

 over himself and the freedom from all thought of himself. 



It seeks in the horse absolute calmness and obedience, 

 constant impulsion in the forward movement, an absolutely 

 straight position and lightness in all movements. 



Without including the teachings of the "high school" 

 it nevertheless borrows certain of the airs of higher equi- 

 tation, such as two tracks and the change of lead, whose 

 practice marks a further degree of submission, in the horse, 

 to the aids, while developing in the rider, to a higher point, 

 tact and the feeling of the horse. 



In imposing upon both horse and rider exactness of 



movement, perfection of position and gracefulness, the 



superior equitation follows the traditions which are the 



strength of the French School. The qualities which it 



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