BACKING. 107 



make it precipitate by multiplying the contact. Both 

 X\iQS,e piaffers can be obtained from all horses ; but as 

 this is among the great difficulties, perfect tact is indis- 

 pensable. 



4. To back with an equal elevation of the transverse 

 legs, which leave the ground and are placed again on it 

 at the same time, the horse executing the movement 

 with as much freedom and facility as if he were 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 

 suspending the horse's body that the distribution of the 

 weight is perfectly regular and the extremities acquire 

 energy and activity alike. This movement then becomes 

 as easy and graceful as it is painful and devoid of ele- 

 gance when it is changed into acGulei)ient,^ 



5. Simultaneous mobility of the two diagonal legs, the 

 horse stationary. After having raised the two opposite 

 legs, he carries them to the rear to bring them back again 

 to the place they first occupied, and recommences the 

 same movement with the other diagonal. 



The suppling, and having got the horse in hand, 

 make this movement easy. When he no longer pre- 

 sents any resistance, he appreciates the lightest effects of 

 the rider, intended in this case to displace only the least 

 possible quantity of forces and weight necessary to set 

 in motion the opposite extremities. By repeating this 

 exercise, it will in a little while be rendered familiar to 

 the horse. The finish of the mechanism will soon give 

 the finish of intelligence. 



* Acculement and reculer liave been previously explained ; one is the horse 

 backing falsely, ttie other backing correctly.— Translator. 



