THE SCIENTIFIC EQUITATION 



perfect equality of squareness, height, energy, gait, 

 and stride, which is the sine qua non of the artistic 

 passage. Do not, moreover, allow your mount to be 

 behind the hand. Accept the passage only when the 

 horse is in contact upon your hand. 



Let us now analyze our effects and their conse- 

 quences. 



Baucher writes: 



"The passage is the diminutive of the piaffer. In 

 this air, the horse raises its legs as in the trot; but 

 he advances only imperceptibly and at tempo. 



"For this work, the talent of the cavalier con- 

 sists, not in making continually an opposition with 

 the bridle each time that the leg acts, but in so well 

 concentrating all the forces at the center, as for the 

 piaffer, that, with the reins loosened, the horse ad- 

 vances only imperceptibly by an excess of action. 

 It is easy to see that there is necessary a complete 

 assemblage, in order that the horse may execute 

 with regularity this brilliant and scientific air of 

 equitation." 



I am, with some minor differences, of the same 

 opinion as the grand master; but it must be con- 

 fessed that it will be very difficult for the student to 

 obtain the passage with only the data, principles, 

 and lessons. Baucher is correct in saying that the 

 reins are to be loose and that the opposition of the 

 hand is not necessary, provided the horse is already 

 at the air. But before the movement is obtained, 

 the opposition of the hand is essential, since it is 



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