THE PIAFFER 



long as the horse does not move either forward or 

 backward. 



When the slow piaffer begins to be understood, 

 I prepare myself, and at each repetition of very 

 delicate attacks well cadenced, and in the tempo of 

 each step, I lift my hand a little higher, make my 

 fingering more pronounced and precise, and raise 

 the four legs higher and higher, two by two in di- 

 agonal. I caress all the body of the horse a great 

 deal, speak to it in an amiable and encouraging 

 voice, and make my horse like the lesson. 



Last of all, I complete the training by shifting 

 my own weight from haunch to haunch, without 

 apparent movement of the upper part of my body, 

 or of my hand, arms, thighs, or legs. At first this 

 shifting of my weight from side to side appears to 

 have no effect. Well, then, I begin the slow piaffer 

 by means of my hands and legs; but when the 

 movement is under way, I cease the effect of hands 

 and legs, and begin the balancing on my seat. I 

 have to try several times; and then success is as- 

 sured. 



After each exercise in the time of the piaffer, I 

 carry my horse forward a few steps, bring him to 

 rest, and either abandon him, or let him be free to 

 stretch his spine and neck. 



In brief, then, calculate accurately your effects, 

 develop your equestrian tact, keep in your mind 

 the principles which I have always had before me, 

 my deus ex machina. Labor improbus omnia vincit, 



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