Francois Baucher

François Baucher (1796-1863) was the center of one of the most famous controversies in the development of modern equitation. Baucher introduced the one tempi flying changes at the canter, but in nineteenth century France his circus performances and methods of haute école training were attacked. Attempts to introduce his theories to the French Cavalry were blocked, although he is now recognized as an out standing horseman and exponent of classical dressage. This important work combines a translation of two of Baucher's publications: New Method of Horsemanship and Dialogues on Equitation, with a scholarly study of the arguments which surrounded them. Professor Hilda Nelson produces a fascinating insight into an important theory of horsemanship.