Contemporary critics include some modern dressage riders who are opposed to Baucher's "first period" training techniques on the basis of its perceived harshness, while the principle of "hand without leg, leg without hand" (from his "second period") has become a widely accepted classical dressage principle. Techniques from his first period are still employed today. In particular, direct and lateral flexions are prescribed by many popular natural horsemanship trainers and clinicians including Pat Parelli and Clinton Anderson. The controversial practice of rollkur is sometimes erroneously labelled Baucherist due to the flexion observed, however Baucher instructed his flexions to be performed on the ground or at a halt, never sustained and not in motion.