"In horses, and most other mammalian quadrupeds, 57% of the
vertical impulse is applied through the thoracic limbs, and only
43% through the hind limbs.” (H. W. Merkens, H. C. Schamhardt,G.
J. van Osch, A. J. van den Bogert, 1993). Chazot is learning
here to develop the forelegs’ propulsive activity at the trot
departure. This is done teaching the horse to control
accelerations of gravity through his vertebral column and
therefore regulating the weight on the forelegs. The riding
technique allowing such education is about matching the
biomechanical properties of the rider’s vertebral column with
the biomechanical properties of the horse’s vertebral column.
The reins are long and there is no weight on the bit. Once in a
while the rider reminds the horse to do not push on the bit.
This technique differs widely from the usual driving the horse
onto the bit. Driving the horse onto the bit is a primitive
technique that is based on antiquated knowledge of the equine
biomechanics. Rushing the horse on the forehand a