Antique Print of Horse Riding: Piaffe Lesson Between Pillars

Antique print titled 'Manège, La Capriole. Lecon du piafer dans les piliers'. Copper engraving of horse riding: piaffe lesson between pillars. The piaffe is a dressage movement where the horse is in a highly collected and cadenced trot, in place or nearly in place. The center of gravity of the horse should be more towards the hind end, with the hindquarters slightly lowered and great bending of the joints in the hind legs. The front end of the horse is highly mobile, free, and light, with great flexion in the joints of the front legs, and the horse remains light in the hand. The horse should retain a clear and even rhythm, show great impulsion, and ideally should have a moment of suspension between the foot falls. As in all dressage, the horse should perform in a calm manner and remain on the bit with a round back.

This print originates from 'Manège et équitation – Allures naturelles'. Published in Paris, 1765.

Condition: Good. General age-related toning. Minor wear and soiling. Later hand coloring. Top margin extended, blank verso. Please study image carefully.

Date: 1765

Overall size: 26.7 x 19 cm.