Old French riding masters like Francois Baucher (1796-1873) and Francios Robinchon de la Guérinière (1688-1751) used specific exercises and muscle growth to systematically improve the horses’ flexibility and lightness (Légèreté) under saddle.
“Hand without legs – legs without hand” is one of Francois Baucher’s guiding principles that distinguishes the french tradition of “riding in lightness” from conventional German competition riding.
The art of riding wants the horse and rider to create something special together in order to emphasize the beauty of the horse.