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precision. His method is specially admirable from the fact that it keeps a horse sound by proper distribution of weight, rational gymnastics, suppling, and a correct development of his powers.[1] Also it has the great advantage over the old methods of quickly giving results. Thus, with Baucher's method, we can break a hack in two months, and a school horse in eight or ten months. Formerly, the latter result took two or three years to obtain ; and, besides, the old time horsemen never attempted the difficulties which Baucher conquered.[2] I go further, and say that they did not even know that such difficulties existed.
We should therefore bow with gratitude before this master of the equestrian art. Is this equivalent to saying that Baucher should be exempt from criticism ? Certainly not ; and for my part, I am far from agreeing with all his ideas. I even think that it is my duty to oppose those proceedings of his which I have found to be wrong. In this book I have had occasion several times to show up certain mistakes of the great horseman. I shall now criticise some of his opinions.
I have adopted in my work what I call the three golden keys of Baucher's method ; namely, his complete suppling exercises, with greater elevation of the head and neck ; his attacks with the spurs, to enclose the horse ; and his rassembler, which I have perfected.
Apart from this, I have worked more on the lines of the old school of Versailles than on those of Baucher, in that I always advocate fast paces, and that the horse should be allowed to extend himself. ↩︎
Up to the present time I have broken thirty-five school horses, which is more than anyone else has done. Baucher, who died when he was seventy-four, broke twenty-six. Being only fifty-six, I hope to double that number when I am as old as the great rider. I have broken hundreds of hacks.
I do not pretend to be cleverer than my illustrious predecessors. I know that before my time others have done as well, and perhaps better. I mention these facts only to show the results of my method. I am certain that every horseman who wishes to follow it will be able to obtain similar results, provided that he is properly endowed by Nature, and that he loves horses.
Few authors have described a correct method of breaking in the proper sense of the word. I have read all the books on equitation, and find that none of them are perfect. ↩︎