THE REASONED EQUITATION 



the horse's back, is borne with the least possible 

 effort, and with an ease for which the animal is 

 manifestly grateful to its master. 



Now it is absolutely true that only as the result 

 of training are the enormous powers of the horse 

 brought under the man's intelligence, without 

 violence and without physical or moral pain. The 

 one is wise, the other is strong. The two form a 

 friendly unit in which the brute is submissive and 

 happy. But since the reasoned equitation follows 

 a series of progressive exercises, in which the more 

 advanced rest on those which precede, it is essential 

 that the same rider use always the same horse, 

 during the time necessary to complete its training. 



A sound and well-conformed animal, energetic 

 but good-tempered, will be the easiest to train. A 

 full bridle should be employed, with a bit of me- 

 dium power, a Baucher snaffle, curb chain, and lip 

 strap. The work on foot requires a three-foot whip. 

 Later in the training, when the horse is mounted, 

 spurs will be needed. A well-kept second-hand 

 English saddle is better than a new one. 



Since the reasoned equitation has for its purpose 

 to teach the rider both how to train his horse, and 

 also how to ride a horse already trained in the 

 system, it is useful for professional riding-masters 

 and trainers, and for all civilians. But it is only 

 after several years of the usual equitation that 

 either the theory or the practice of the reasoned 

 equitation becomes of any particular benefit. Bau- 



56 



