Piaffe

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. a dressage movement where a horse trots in place with elevated legs and minimal forward progress
2. a stationary trotting motion performed by a horse with high, rhythmic leg action and no forward movement
3. the equestrian technique in which a horse executes a rhythmic, high-stepping trot without advancing forward

Etymology: "Piaffe" is a horsemanship term for a trot performed in place, where the horse lifts each diagonal pair of legs high while barely advancing. It came into English from French, and the French word carries the same sense of a showy, rhythmic step. The word belongs to the vocabulary of classical dressage, where it is prized as a demonstration of collection, balance and控制 strength. Riders ask the horse to hold its weight on the hindquarters so the forelegs rise with a bouncing elasticity, a movement that looks effortless but requires considerable training.