THE SCIENTIFIC EQUITATION 



throughout its length. The spurs are applied, and 

 push the horse forward upon the front leg, which 

 thereupon returns to the ground, and the first step 

 is taken. The second step follows, secured from the 

 other diagonal biped by the same means, and the 

 walk continues. When the Spanish walk is well 

 understood and properly performed, a stronger im- 

 pulsion of the hind legs by the spurs precipitates 

 this into the Spanish trot. 



The method answers very well thus far. But 

 when, after this training, the rider asks the pas- 

 sage, the horse, as before, extends its front legs, but 

 the equilibrium is not adequate to the movement, 

 and quarrels and fights begin between the trainer 

 and the horse. When, at the end of these fights, the 

 passage is obtained, they still have to be gone 

 through with once more to obtain the piaffer. It all 

 comes about because the masters keep diminishing 

 the extension by diminishing the impulsion. I, on 

 the contrary, beginning the series of movements at 

 the other end, keep increasing the impulsion, al- 

 ways by and in the state of equilibrium. 



The Spanish trot needs good conformation and 

 great energy on the part of the horse; and on the 

 part of the rider, a great precision of effects, if the 

 air is to be taught according to the principles of 

 the reasoned equitation. If the horse preserves 

 the condition of equilibrium, the movement is very 

 brilliant and graceful. The animal has an action 

 forward and high, yet without manifesting too 



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