THE PIAFFER. 



133 



as the animal raises the opposite fore-leg 

 and Its diagonally disposed hind-leg to sus- 

 tain the movement, 



The plaffer Is useful In rendering the 

 horse light, and In putting him In a posi- 

 tion from which he can make any move- 

 ment with great celerity and precision, as 

 he will be ready to advance, to retreat, or 

 to traverse to either hand without further 

 preparation. 



This Is a movement difficult to control, 

 and the equilibrium Is of the highest Im- 

 portance. It should not be undertaken 

 until the horse Is quite perfect In the pas- 

 sage, and has been taught to back with 

 ease and lightness. 



The lessons in the plaffer should be 

 given every day, but for only a few min- 

 utes, as the action is very fatiguing and 



