THE PIAFFERS. — BACKING. 2U7 



the contact. Both these piaffers can be ob- 

 tained from all horses; but as this is among 

 the great difficulties, perfect tact is indispens- 

 able. 



4. To hack with an equal elevation of 

 the transverse legs, loliicJi leave the ground , 

 and are placed again upon it, at the same 

 time; the horse executing the movement icith 

 as much freedom and facility as if he loere 

 going forward^ and without apparent aid 

 from the rider. 



Backing is not new, but it certainly is 

 new upon the conditions that I lay down. 

 It is only by the aid of a complete suppling 

 and ramener that we succeed in so suspend- 

 ing the horse's body that the distribution of 

 the weight is perfectly regular and the ex- 

 tremities acquire energy and activity alike. 

 This movement then becomes as easy and 

 graceful as it is painful, and devoid of 



