114 BITS AND BITTING. 



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 invariable 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 problem of equilibrium in 

 motion, and mistook diminution or restriction of motive 

 power for a perfect command over it, under all circum- 

 stances and at every degree of speed. It is unnecessary 

 to add that the demon of restiveness, whose habitation 

 he fancied he had discovered 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 

 demand, of course, different details of handling ; but 

 one broad principle applies to them all namely, to get 

 the whole lever power of the animal to act in conjunction 



