rein back by the seat, as I have described (p. 247), and not by the reins.

It is a mistake to think that we can easily go from the forward passage to the backward passage, to obtain which it is necessary to make the transition through the natural, slow and high piaffer, which is only the passage without gaining ground.

It is only when the horse piaffes correctly, that we can try to gain a few inches of ground to the rear at each step. With this object I increase the pressure of the legs. I try to rassembler the horse without pulling him back by the reins, and I sit well down into the saddle, while leaning strongly on each footfall.

On account of the rassembler being carried to its maximum, the equilibrium and mobility of the horse are such that the slightest displacement of the body of the rider can draw the horse in any direction, as for instance, to the rear, which is the point we are considering.

This means of obtaining the passage to the rear is long and difficult ; but it is the only one which gives a good result.

SEE-SAW PIAFFER.

In the see-saw piaffer, the off legs ought to be raised and put down in the same place, while the near ones make a beat forward and a beat backward, while always coming back to the same spot.

The near legs ought not only to mark the going and coming from front to rear, but the near hind quarter and near shoulder ought also to accentuate this movement without any participation on the part of the off legs, which should only piaffe regularly without gaining ground.

Baucher did this piaffer with great éclat on a mare called Stades. I have taught this school movement to four horses,