,illustration3 ,galley ,slave1 a #b-year-old filly1 is the present queen of ,sagamore ,farm4 ,last winter she ran three times in ,california4 ,she won all three races and set one world's record4 ,horse ,training by ,modern ,methods ,,by ,,allan ,,melvill ,,pope1 ,first ,lieutenant of ,cavalry1 ,u4 ,s4 ,army4 #aiab4 ,,franklin ,,hudson ,,publishing ,,co41 ,,kansas ,,city1 ,,mo4 ,copyright1 #aiab1 ,by ,franklin ,hudson ,publishing ,co41 ,kansas ,city1 ,mo4 ,,foreword4 ,the object of this book is to arrange in the most convenient1 clear1 and concise form the modern system of horse-training1 in so far as it is applicable to the training of horses in the mounted service of the ,united ,states4 ,no attempt has been made in any case to improve upon methods already deemed correct by the best horsemen2 and as such methods can be found dealing with all points of training1 it follows that the subject matter in this book is not original4 ,where the best was to be found1 there it has been sought1 and where the authors of previous works have expressed their ideas in language considered the most concise and clear1 their words have been copied verbatim1 with due acknowledgement to the authors4 ,i am indebted to the following for methods1 theories1 translation of technical terms1 and improvised commands herein contained3 ,to ,major ,george ,h4 ,cameron1 #adth ,cavalry1 ,captain ,w4 ,c4 ,short1 #acth ,cavalry1 ,captain ,guy ,v4 ,henry1 ,cavalry1 #ast ,lieutenant ,gordon ,johnston1 ,cavalry1 #ast ,lieutenant ,joseph ,f4 ,taulbee1 #b;d ,cavalry1 ,the late ,captain ,m4 ,horace ,hayes1 ,f4,r4,c4,v4,s41 ,edward ,l4 ,anderson1 ,james ,fillis1 ,captain de ,saint-,phalle1 ,notes d',equitation-,carouseles ,militaire1 ,saumur ,notes 7,english translation of the above72 and to ,col4 ,haddens ,w4 ,jones1 #ajth ,cavalry1 for valuable assistance and advice4 ,,preface4 ,nothing within this book is believed to be beyond the reach of the mounted service in general4 ,the time allotted to 8breaking0 or gentling will be in many cases eliminated1 as the present system of remount stations has become well established4 ,each troop should have three or four such articles as longes and cavessons4 ,these articles can be made very easily by saddlers and blacksmiths1 from a model4 ,models can undoubtedly be procured through the ,mounted ,service ,school at ,fort ,riley1 ,kansas1 or from any saddlery store1 care being taken in purchasing from the latter to determine whether the model is a correct one or not4 ,in many cases the reasons for the use of certain aids1 etc41 are apparent1 and all explanation is omitted4 ,in other cases1 where explanations involve nice points of mechanics1 etc41 they have likewise been omitted4 ,the reason for the latter omissions being that they are interesting to the student only4 ,the real student of horse-training can only be one who enjoys such work4 ,many officers do not enjoy it1 and this book is intended for all4 ,in view of the fact that all the methods embodied herein are well-recognized methods1 ,i trust readers will take for granted that they conform to the mechanical principles1 etc41 omitted4 ,as riding cannot be taught by books1 no attempt is made to do so here4 ,officers instructed in riding at the ,mounted ,service ,school are returned to their regiments every year1 where1 by their example and ability to instruct1 they can accomplish far more than any literature on the subject2 but where riding1 as regards the seat1 cannot be readily forgotten1 points of training a horse can2 and it is for such as forget1 or for such as have had nothing or little to forget1 that this book is intended4 ,as to riding1 it might be of interest1 however1 to some to note that the following cautions have been found to be a frequent necessity while training horses with enlisted men up3 ,don't yank upon your horse's mouth4 ,keep your hands low and your wrists supple4 ,don't stick your knees up in the air4 ,grip with your knees and the calf of your leg4 ,let your stirrups out 7for most men74 ,carry your legs back4 ,don't let your reins flop4 ,don't hollow out your back4 ,don't let your horse back up 7unless the movement is a retrograde one74 ,drive him forward4 ,don't let him bend his neck at the shoulder4 ,use your leg 7or legs74 ,don't be rough with your horse4 ,new horses sent to a post should be turned over to one competent officer with assistants1 if necessary1 for training4 ,if necessary to assign them to troops to assure proper care and grooming1 orders should be given that they be exercised only by direction of the officer in charge4 ,enlisted men specially suited for training horses should be detailed under the above-named officer's direction4 ,only such enlisted men should be detailed who will not be discharged or detailed on other duty until the training ceases4 ,the training should continue for not less than six months4 ,horses should1 when possible1 be assigned trainers who belong to the organization to which the horses are assigned1 the rider being assured1 if possible1 that the horse will be assigned to him after the training is over4 ,two officers can train with reasonable satisfaction seventy-five horses1 if given one hour and a half per day six days a week1 in the riding-hall4 ,as the number of horses in the riding-hall at a time go over fifteen the difficulties increase4 ,in case it be impossible for new horses to be under the direction of one officer1 organization commanders should keep the horses out of ranks an equal period1 and undertake the same training with competent men4 ,hard-trotting1 uncontrollable horses1 uncomfortable to ride and weak in muscular activity1 result from lack of training4 ,from practical work with enlisted men1 it has been found that there is little difficulty in teaching them the kinds of aids1 with their proper names1 and the use and form the various exercises take4 ,the manner in which they apply their aids and perform the exercises varies with the individual's ability to ride and aptitude for training4 ,when ,part ,,ii4 is undertaken1 the difficulties increase4 ,the difficulties do not lie in the use of the double rein1 which the men soon become accustomed to1 but in understanding the flexions and the delicate use of the aids required in these exercises and in the changes of lead at the gallop4 ,as hands are a most important element in ,part ,,ii41 it is not surprising that men who have ridden perhaps less than three years should have difficulty4 ,part ,,ii4 should not be abandoned1 either because of the difficulties inherent to the exercises or because of the lack of proper equipment4 ,the use of a double bridle improvised from a watering bridle and a regulation bit is preferable to the use of a single curb immediately succeeding the work with the snaffle alone4 ,to some it may seem that confusion exists as to arrangement of the facts4 ,the scheme of arrangement is as follows3 ,a man1 in training a horse1 can begin work on the horse with what he finds in the beginning of this book1 and as the horse progresses he need only progress in his reading to find new exercises4 ,certain definitions and explanations are requisite to a proper understanding of an exercise4 ,these are necessarily interpolated4 ,if the reader will consider the difficulties in setting forth such facts in a logical sequence1 he will perhaps be more lenient in his criticisms of this book1 although criticism is expected and sought4 ,a4 ,m4 ,p4 ,manlius1 ,n4 ,y41 ,august1 #aiaa4 ,,part ,i4 ,,chapter ,i4 ,,early ,,handling4 ,object of ,training4--,horse-training is a series of exercises to render the horse obedient and at the same time to preserve and develop his inherent qualities4 ,it is a muscular training which by suppling the parts will strengthen the entire body1 and by balancing the horse will develop harmony in his movements4 ,new ,horses4--,new horses should be exercised daily1 at first being led by men on foot1 and later by men mounted on quiet horses4 ,the exercise should be at a walk1 and is used to quiet and strengthen the animals4 ,when leading a young horse mounted1 the side upon which he is led should often be changed to avoid giving a false set to the neck4 ,care of ,new ,horses4--,the young horse should have flannel bandages on his fore legs when exercised1 from the fetlock to the knee1 to support the flexor tendons and to keep the horse from hitting himself1 thereby often causing splints4 ,after exercising1 the legs should be rubbed and the tendons massaged1 then washed with cool water and flannel bandages applied4 ,the tendons are thereby supported and wind-puffs and swellings prevented4 ,how to ,adjust a ,bandage4--,a bandage should be wound up with the tapes inside4 ,unroll six or eight inches of it1 and lay this loose portion obliquely across the outside of the leg1 close to the knee1 with the end reaching to about the center of that joint1 and the rolled-up part turned to the outside1 and directed downward and forward4 ,the beginning should be continued around the fetlock and upper part of the pastern1 and brought back close up below the knee4 ,the loose end is then turned down1 and the folds of the bandage carried over it4 ,the tapes are tied a little above the center of the cannon bone4 7,hayes47 ,to ,approach an ,uncertain ,horse4--,to go up to an uncertain horse which is held or tied up in the open1 approach the fore leg on the near side at an angle of about #gj degrees to the direction of the axis of the horse4 ,having reached his shoulder1 place a hand on his crest and stroke the mane4 ,when a certain degree of confidence is restored to the horse1 further handling may be undertaken4 ,to ,lead a ,horse with the ,snaffle1 and to ,adjust ,snaffle4--,to lead a horse with a snaffle mounted or dismounted1 pass both reins through the near snaffle ring if the horse is to be on the off side4 ,in placing the snaffle bridle upon a fractious horse1 place the reins first over the neck1 if possible4 ,if the horse objects to having the head-stall put on1 unfasten the left check-strap from the ring of the snaffle4 ,place the head-stall in position1 then put the bit in the mouth and refasten the cheek-strap4 ,if impracticable to remove the halter before bridling the horse1 place the bridle on over the halter1 then unfasten the halter1 slip the nose-band down over the nostrils1 then into the mouth and around under the bit and out of the mouth4 ,the halter will then fall off4 ,longeing4--,the following principles must be considered when longeing3 #a4 ,the horse must be controlled by the longe2 the only function of the whip is to move the horse forward4 #b4 ,the length of the longe should be frequently changed4 ,the horse should alternately stretch himself on a large circle and bend himself on a small circle4 #c4 ,the gaits should frequently be changed4 7,notes d',equitation47 ,method of ,longeing a ,horse4--,start the longeing exercise without the longeing whip4 ,place the cavesson on the horse1 if possible1 after the halter has been removed1 or1 if a bridle is on the horse1 over the bridle4 ,fasten the longe into the ring of the cavesson4 ,face the same way the horse faces and walk near his head1 leading him by a short longe in a circle to the left2 right hand on the longe near the horse's head1 longe in the left hand1 not coiled1 but arranged so that in running out quickly it will not become entangled or pinch the fingers4 ,if the horse refuses to lead1 an assistant may urge him forward as quietly as possible from the rear4 ,as the horse becomes accustomed to being led1 gradually lengthen the longe and drop back slightly from the head of the horse1 toward his shoulders4 ,cluck to the horse to urge him forward4 ,use the hand to make motions for the same purpose or tap him lightly with the hand on his side1 in case the horse refuses to go forward4 ,if the horse turns toward the trainer1 shake the longe so that it lightly taps the nose on the side of the horse which should be toward the center of the circle4 ,gradually1 as the horse learns what is wanted1 the trainer moves so that the horse circles about him1 first at a slow gait1 then at the trot1 and finally1 when more proficient1 at the canter and gallop4 ,to slow down the gait1 use the voice soothingly and shake the longe up and down gently4 ,to stop the horse1 a series of motions of the longe up and down1 with a strong pull on the longe as it comes down1 will have the greatest effect4 ,the word 8whoa0 should frequently be used in this movement4 ,when the horse obeys1 he should be caressed4 ,when a horse will go to the left on the longe1 even at the walk1 he should be practiced going to the right until equally capable on that hand4 ,a horse should not be longed until fatigued4 ,use of the ,longe4-- #a4 ,to exercise young horses without injury4 #b4 ,to give first lessons to horses difficult to manage4 #c4 ,for horses that hold back or fight4 #d4 ,for horses with one shoulder more developed than the other4 #e4 ,for horses that will not work equally well on either hand4 #f4 ,for horses that bend themselves with difficulty4 #g4 ,for the first lessons in jumping4 7,notes d',equitation47 ,the ,snaffle ,bit4--,as early as possible1 a bridle and snaffle bit should be put on the horse4 ,the snaffle is a very mild bit because it acts mostly on the lips and only a little on the bars4 ,the faults of the hand are therefore less prejudicial to the tender mouth of the new horse4 ,when1 in the course of training1 the horse becomes familiar with the snaffle bit1 he may be prepared for the double bridle by the use of the double snaffle1 a bit which is known not to be dangerous and which gives the rider more action upon the horse4 ,the double snaffle should properly be composed of a snaffle without branches and a 8,boucher0 snaffle4 ,the double snaffle also is useful in the case of a horse that leans on the hands2 the remedy consisting1 in this case1 of producing action either by alternate effects which make each snaffle bit felt separately1 or by cross-effects obtained by the action of one snaffle bit on one side and the other snaffle bit on the other side4 ,saddling ,new ,horses4--,new horses should be made accustomed to equipment while they are first exercised by leading or when on the longe2 first by the blanket and surcingle1 then by the saddle being placed on their back4 ,the saddle is put on first without stirrups1 then with stirrups crossed1 and then with the stirrups hanging4 ,the girth should at first be tightened slightly1 and afterwards readjusted1 if necessary1 during the exercises4 ,a nervous horse should be longed a little before placing the saddle on his back4 ,a horse should not be mounted for the first time on the same day he is first saddled4 ,mounting the ,new ,horse4--,when first mounting1 the rider should get into the saddle as handily and quickly as possible1 without being particular as to exactness4 ,an assistant stands facing the horse4 ,the rider slaps the saddle1 lets the stirrups drop against the sides of the horse1 and then takes up the reins1 leaving them very long4 ,in case the horse backs up or tries to move away1 the assistant leads him gently up to where he was before and the rider tries to mount again4 ,if the rider believes that the horse will make violent resistances1 he can insure his seat by having a rolled blanket strapped to the pommel of the saddle1 to keep his knees in place4 ,with a horse very difficult to mount1 where there is danger of severe resistance1 the horse should be snubbed up to a strong1 quiet horse4 ,snubbing is only resorted to in cases where longeing and quiet handling have failed to bring about the desired results4 ,with very restless animals1 the assistants stand squarely in front of the horses and simply caress the animals' heads without holding the reins4 ,if a horse is very restless1 and the cavesson has to be used1 it should be in the hands of an experienced man4 ,the following is a position often taken for mounting a restless animal3 ,take the reins of the snaffle in the left hand1 and with the same hand catch hold of the mane at about the middle of the neck so that there is a slight tension on the reins4 ,take hold of the pommel of the saddle with the right hand and mount1 taking care that the left toe does not touch the horse when mounting4 ,above all things1 avoid bustling the horse when starting2 for1 if he is led to expect this1 he will never stand quietly to be mounted4 ,sometimes feeding a horse oats from a pan while he is being mounted causes him to stand quietly4 ,first ,lessons after ,mounting4--,never require anything from the horse mounted for the first time4 ,if he walks straight ahead1 it is sufficient4 ,keep the reins separated and feel lightly the snaffle4 ,ride the horse a few times around the hall to the right and to the left1 leaving him as free as possible1 if1 of course1 he is quiet4 ,if the horse does well1 dismount and feed him carrots1 if they can be supplied1 or a handful of oats4 ,carrots ought always be cut lengthwise and never across2 in the latter case they might stick in the animal's throat4 ,resistances4--,among the most violent resistances are bucking and rearing4 ,if the horse attempts to buck1 press him forward with the legs and hold his head high4 ,the rider is more easily displaced if the horse bucks in place4 ,if the rider is not able to make the horse go forward1 he should turn him to the right or left with the snaffle bit4 ,as all horses have a soft and hard side to their mouths1 when resistance is encountered in turning to the right1 the attempt should be made to turn him to the left4 ,when a horse rears1 separate the reins1 and take hold of the mane in the left hand at about the middle of the neck4 ,lean forward1 and when the horse comes down again1 push the body back into its place by quickly straightening the arm4 ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,,equilibrium4 ,a little must be understood about equilibrium before the aids can properly be mastered4 ,direct ,equilibrium4--,this relates to the balance of the horse when the center of gravity is moved forward or backward4 ,the fore legs of the horse are used for translation1 the hind legs for propulsion4 ,the horse naturally bears more weight upon his fore legs than upon his hind4 ,the center of gravity1 then1 is nearer the fore quarters than the hind1 which is therefore favorable to the forward movement of the horse4 ,if the weight of the horse1 by changing the position of parts of the body1 brings the center of gravity towards the rear1 it is more favorable for the backward movement4 ,when the center of gravity is forward1 the fore legs control the movement of the mass1 and the hind legs merely propel4 ,when the center of gravity moves backward1 the hind legs become more and more masters of the control of the movement of the mass1 and their action then is from the ground up as well as from rear to front as before4 ,in other words1 the movements gain in height4 ,position of a ,horse for the ,forward ,movement4-- #a4 ,when a horse wants to move forward1 he naturally puts himself in the most favorable position2 consequently he throws his weight forward to his shoulders1 and1 to do this1 stretches out his head and neck4 #b4 ,to obtain the forward movement and the accelerations in gait then1 the rider must let the horse extend and lower his head and neck2 similarly he must raise them to obtain the slower gaits4 #c4 ,a horse must always be ready to carry himself forward4 ,this is the most important rule in equitation4 ,the tendency to move forward is called 8impulsion40 ,without impulsion we can have no influence over the direction4 7,de ,saint-,phalle47 ,the horse must go into the bridle4 ,nearly every vice and resistance offered by a horse is preceded and made possible by the animal getting behind the bit2 that is1 he refuses to face the bit1 or take the pressure of the bit1 so that the rider's hand can find nothing by which he can enforce his demands4 7,anderson47 ,lateral ,equilibrium4--,this relates to the balance of a horse when the center of gravity is moved sideways4 ,it is a case where the horse is made to load one shoulder or one haunch or all one side more than the other4 ,it is used for changes of direction1 parallel displacements1 etc4 ,the horse being in motion1 if we force him to carry the weight of his forehand to one side1 the entire forehand tends to be displaced to the same side4 ,this displacement of the horse is obligatory if that of the center of gravity is sufficiently accentuated4 ,,the ,,aids4 ,what ,are the ,aids8--,the aids are the different means employed by the rider to convey his desires or intentions to the horse4 7,notes d',equitation47 ,,the ,,legs4 ,the ,stirrups4--,the stirrups should be so adjusted that the tread of the stirrup is level with the top of the heel when the rider is mounted and seated properly4 ,when the stirrups are too long1 as with the 8fork seat10 the rider is unable to use his legs with strength and accuracy4 ,with the stirrups too short the rider's knees are too high1 the seat is forced too far back and he is unable to sit down in the saddle2 hence is less secure4 ,position of the ,foot in the ,stirrup4--,at least one-third of the foot should be inserted in the stirrup2 the heel should be slightly lower than the toe and the ball of the foot should rest upon the tread4 7,notes d',equitation47 ,the following are the uses to which the legs are put3 #a4 ,to produce the forward movement4 #b4 ,to range the haunches4 #c4 ,to bring the hind legs forward under the body4 ,the ,equal ,action of ,both ,legs4--,the most important duty of the legs is to act together for the purpose of giving or sustaining impulsion4 ,this action should command the forward movement and its acceleration4 ,to obtain this result1 the legs can act by simple pressure of the knees or by pressure of the knees and calves4 ,the pressure of only the knees is sufficient with delicate horses1 but with others the pressure of the calves has to be added to that of the knees4 ,the more energetic the pressure and the farther behind the girths it is1 the greater the result produced4 ,usually the action of the leg is strong enough if it is placed against or a little in rear of the girth4 ,if the action there is not sufficient1 it may be carried back a little--never1 however1 to reach an angle of #de degrees4 ,the perfection to aim at is to have the leg move almost imperceptibly and vary its effects only by different shades of pressure2 but with a horse that does not respond sufficiently to the demands1 it becomes necessary to carry the leg back a little by bending the knee and keeping the heels low4 ,the inclination of the leg to an angle of #de degrees is the very maximum1 which it is unscientific and useless to pass or even to reach1 so that if the action of the leg is not efficacious under these conditions1 we must turn to more energetic methods4 ,but little trouble is experienced in teaching riders not to carry the legs too far back4 ,the reverse is usually the case4 ,the above method failing1 the next to try is consecutive thumpings with the calf of the leg1 not very pronounced1 but repeated until the result sought is obtained4 ,at the instant the legs should cease their action1 and should repeat it only when the need again is felt4 ,if this means is not sufficient1 there is nothing to do but come to blows with the legs4 ,these are executed by slightly carrying to one side the calf and ramming it against the horse with a violence proportionate to the result to be obtained4 ,this movement ought to be done without raising the knees or sticking them out1 the lower part of the legs being independent of the rest of the body in order that the seat and the hand be not deranged4 ,this manner of getting action upon the horse ought not to be continued for a long time1 even if its effect is not sufficient or lasting4 ,like every violent movement1 this one ought to be exceptional1 and rather than repeat it frequently1 it is better to have recourse to short1 energetic action of the spurs4 ,it is very necessary to avoid the frequent fault of using the leg after sufficient action has been gotten out of the horse or of continuing the demands when they are already obeyed4 ,then the impulsion of the horse is augmented in a manner prejudicial to the desired result1 which necessitates the action of the hand to oppose the augmented impulsion falsely ordered by the legs4 ,unequal ,action of the ,legs4--,when one leg is used more than the other1 the haunches are displaced to the opposite side4 ,the horse is then said 8to range his haunches40 ,this effect is often useful in preventing the horse from slipping out sideways1 in straightening him1 and in making him change directions1 etc42 but its greatest utility lies in permitting the rider to range the haunches and traverse the horse1 which movements are essential to the main instruction in the mental and physical suppling of the horse4 ,the rules for the use of both legs apply equally well to the use of one leg1 as regards place of contact and manner of graduating the intensity of action4 78,equal ,action of ,both ,legs and ,unequal ,action of the ,leg10 from 8,elementary ,equitation10 by ,de ,saint-,phalle47 ,to ,bring the ,hind ,legs ,forward ,under the ,horse4--,due to contraction of the muscles produced by the tickling sensation of the leg or spur upon the side1 the horse mechanically brings his hind legs up under the body when so forced4 ,this bringing up of the hind legs places the control of the movement of the mass in their power1 because the center of gravity is nearer their base4 ,hence the leg movements become more elevated1 the speed less fast1 and the horse more handy and more easily controlled4 ,mutual ,support by the ,legs4--,if one leg acts to range the haunches1 the other should receive the mass to limit and control the movement4 ,both legs should be at all times close enough to the horse to act accurately1 quickly1 and without abruptness in order to assist each other4 ,when a ,horse ,is 8,behind the ,legs40--,when a horse refuses to move forward after the equal action of both legs is produced1 he is said to be 8behind the bit0 and likewise 8behind the legs40 ,a horse in this state is beyond the control of the rider1 and every means should be exerted to force the horse with the legs up into the bit again4 ,the ,spur4--,the spur should not be used until the seat is secure4 ,if the pressure of the calves of the legs is sufficient to command impulsion1 the spur should not be resorted to4 ,resistances are provoked if the spur remains in the side continuously1 and the animal becomes disobedient and on the defensive4 ,continued contact should be replaced by repeated contacts of short duration of an intensity to fit the case4 ,the length of the spur varies with the length of the stirrup-leathers1 the length of the leg of the rider1 and the form of the horse4 ,a general rule is that the spur should be of such a length as to be easily used without danger of unintentional usage during sudden displacements4 ,,the ,,reins4 ,in the training of the horse the reins should be held in two hands4 ,single reins should be held as prescribed in the ,cavalry ,drill ,regulations4 ,the following important rule should always be observed3 ,the pressure of the rider's legs1 or of his heels1 must always precede any action of the hand2 in other words1 the bit does not go back to the horse1 but the horse goes forward against the bit4 ,it has been shown that by the action of the legs impulsion is produced in the horse1 which causes a stretching of the neck to the front in order to begin or accelerate the forward movement4 ,if as the head and neck stretch out the forward movement of the bit in the mouth is arrested by the hand1 the bit is brought into stronger contact with the bars of the mouth1 which produces its action4 ,the action of the reins is thus produced after the action of the legs has produced its effect4 ,,kinds ,,of ,,reins4 7,de ,saint-,phalle47 ,open ,rein4--,this rein is used in turning the horse4 ,the right rein1 for example1 is said to be open if the right hand is carried to the right and front4 ,reins are so used for the particular effect they have upon the horse's head4 ,the need of them is felt especially in the training of green horses1 but also with a horse that refuses to turn and carries his head in the opposite direction from that in which the rider desires him to go4 ,when the right rein is open1 the horse's head will be drawn to the right and he will be assisted in moving in that direction4 ,direct ,rein4--,this rein acts parallel to the axis of the horse without intermediary action upon the neck4 ,reins used in this manner bring a little of the weight to the side on which they act1 which with an obedient horse suffices to make him turn to that side4 ,it is also used in turning the horse's head at the poll so that the horse may look in the direction toward which he is going4 ,rein of ,support4--,the right rein1 for example1 is called the right rein of support when the right hand moves from right to left and the right rein hence bears against the neck4 ,it has different effects according to the point towards which its action is directed4 ,for example1 if the hand is moved towards the front of or over the left shoulder1 the effect is to bring the weight of the forehand towards that shoulder2 or if the direction of the right rein of support passes in rear of the withers1 the effect is felt by the increased weight on the left haunch2 or if the action of the rein in this direction is sufficiently strong1 it can either lead to the displacement of the haunches towards the left by setting the left shoulder1 or displace simultaneously the shoulders and the haunches towards the left by pushing the horse entirely to that side4 ,the effect of the rein of support is extremely powerful in preventing the horse from slipping out on its side1 or in restraining the horse from turning in the opposite direction4 ,rein of ,opposition4--,if the rider opens the right rein slightly and pulls either in the direction of the right haunch or the direction of the left haunch1 the rein is called the right rein of opposition4 ,he is then said to set the shoulders in opposition to the haunches4 7,notes d',equitation47 ,general ,rule4--,a general rule is1 that at all times contact is kept with the mouth by the reins through the medium of the bit4 ,the reins never flop4 ,there are two exceptions to this rule allowable3 during complete abandon1 as at the walk2 and momentarily1 during flexions1 as will be shown later4 ,the ,seat4--,the seat is an aid when it changes the support of the body from one buttock to the other to assist the horse in lateral movements4 ,this movement helps to carry the center of gravity of the horse to the side toward which the movement is desired4 ,similarly an increase in the weight placed on one stirrup is an aid4 ,the upper part of the body by leaning forward or back likewise assists the horse in moving the center of gravity forward and back4 ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,,the ,,forward ,,movement4 ,the horse being now able to be mounted1 the following exercises may be undertaken3 ,the horses are taken into the riding-hall1 if available1 and the riders instructed to work without regard to distances4 ,it is a bad plan to work in groups1 especially with young horses1 as they soon become accustomed to remaining in ranks and refuse to leave4 ,the forward movement1 as has been stated1 is the most important lesson in training1 and it is continually taught during the entire course of instruction4 ,the ,walk4--,to take the walk from the halt1 both legs should be made to be felt1 gradually increasing their intensity until the setting in motion is produced4 ,the fingers and wrists give1 to allow the neck to stretch out4 ,the horse should be set in motion in the direction of his axis by symmetrical use of the aids4 ,the movement should be smooth1 but without hesitancy4 ,in order to keep the start from being sudden1 the energy displayed in the use of the leg should conform to the degree of sensitiveness of the horse4 ,the movement can be kept from being hesitatingly performed by progressively1 but without hesitancy1 using such force as the legs should have1 and by giving the reins with the fingers and wrist at the precise moment the neck tries to stretch out4 ,the ,trot4--,this is the most advantageous gait to take during the first lessons1 because3 #a4 ,it starts the horse straight ahead and helps to bring him in hand4 #b4 ,horses are less restless at this gait4 #c4 ,it is a natural pace4 #d4 ,it is a good suppling exercise for the horse4 ,the trot is not a fatiguing pace to the horse4 ,he can go a long distance continuously at a fair rate of speed at this gait1 because both fore and hind legs1 respectively1 have the same amount of work to do1 and the body can be easily maintained in a state of equilibrium1 as it is supported by diagonal supports4 ,the rider1 if in the flat saddle1 except at slow gaits1 should rise to the trot during this exercise4 ,the diagonal on which the rise is made should frequently be changed4 ,the lightness of the horse only comes with further training4 ,the rider up to this point tries little by little to bring the horse under control by the following exercises3 #a4 ,moving to the front at a walk1 then a trot4 #b4 ,increasing and decreasing gaits4 #c4 ,halting4 ,to ,halt4--,to execute this movement1 lean back slightly and gradually increase the pressure of the bit on the mouth until the movement slows down and gradually stops4 ,both legs should at the same time be carried back to assist the horse in bringing the haunches up under him4 ,the horse should neither raise nor lower his head4 ,the whole mass of the neck should move toward the withers4 ,halting the horse should often be practiced with horses possessing a high1 powerful croup and with those inclined to forge ahead at all times4 ,those inclined to fret1 those whose legs are well set up under them1 and those that are difficult to keep up into the bit should seldom be halted4 ,especially during these lessons must the rider pay strict attention to the even tension of the rein4 ,at first the rider must do all the work--that is1 must tighten the reins2 but later the horse1 having become accustomed to the pressure of the bit and always having the idea of going straight ahead1 will of his own accord keep the reins taut4 ,the ,gallop4--,almost invariably the gallop lesson should be begun early4 ,this is an additional means of suppling the horse1 of strengthening him1 extending him1 and pushing him straight ahead4 ,it would be stupidity to gallop frequently on a colt that drags his legs and is disunited at a trot and that has difficulty in holding up the part essential to the training4 ,on the other hand1 it is proper to gallop repeatedly on a vigorous horse that has been worked before purchase1 or on the horse with good strong legs1 particularly after he has been thoroughly confirmed in the correct trot4 7,notes d',equitation47 ,to ,take the ,gallop by ,extending the ,trot4--,to accomplish this movement1 the rider needs only to take the trot and by the use of both legs to push this gait up to the point where the horse leaves it to pass into the gallop4 ,to accomplish this without undue increase of speed1 put the horse on a circle of six or seven yards radius1 first trot around this and then lengthen the trot until the horse escapes into the gallop4 ,when he is calm and the rider feels confidence in himself1 the rider may leave the circle and rejoin the track on the same hand4 ,as long as the rider does not wish to make abrupt changes of direction1 but gallops on a large circle or on the track1 it makes little difference whether the horse is galloping true or false1 and it is useless for the rider to bother about the leads at this stage of the training4 7,de ,saint-,phalle47 ,when the horse begins to understand the gallop and takes it calmly1 the correct lead1 which is explained on page #fa1 may be undertaken1 at present1 by the following aids3 ,both legs to increase the gait from the trot to the gallop2 outside rein to prevent the haunches from swinging to the outside and which precludes the liability to a false lead4 7,note4--8,outside0 always means the outside of a circle1 or1 if on the track1 the side towards the wall47 ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,,mechanism ,,of ,,the ,,gaits4 ,the ,walk4--,this is a movement of four beats1 and is a pace in which all the legs move1 respectively1 one after the other4 ,if1 for instance1 the left fore leads1 the sequence is3 #a4 ,left fore4 #b4 ,right hind4 #c4 ,right fore4 #d4 ,left hind4 ,if the near hind begins1 it will be3 #a4 ,left hind4 #b4 ,left fore4 #c4 ,right hind4 #d4 ,right fore4 ,each foot comes to the ground after the one that precedes it at an interval of about half the time occupied taking one step4 ,the result of this is that we have the following order of supports3 #a4 ,right laterals 7right fore and right hind74 #b4 ,right diagonals 7right fore and left hind74 #c4 ,left laterals4 #d4 ,left diagonals4 ,as a rule1 a horse begins the walk with a fore leg4 7,hayes47 ,the ,trot4--,this is a movement of two beats4 ,the diagonal feet are on the ground at the same time4 ,the order of supports is3 #a4 ,right diagonal4 #b4 ,moment of suspension4 #c4 ,left diagonal4 #d4 ,moment of suspension4 ,the ,pace4--,this is a movement of two beats1 like the trot1 except the support is by the laterals instead of the diagonals4 ,the order of supports is3 #a4 ,right lateral4 #b4 ,moment of suspension4 #c4 ,left lateral4 #d4 ,moment of suspension4 ,the ,gallop4--,the gallop is an unsymmetrical gait of three beats4 ,it is called unsymmetrical because the two front legs make dissimilar movements1 likewise the two hind4 ,two different combinations take place1 which are called 8gallop right0 and 8gallop left40 ,the moment of taking each new point of support is called a beat4 ,in the gallop right the points of support are taken in the following order3 #a4 ,left hind4 #b4 ,left diagonal 7left front1 right hind74 #c4 ,right front4 #d4 ,moment of suspension4 ,the gallop left is as follows3 #a4 ,right hind4 #b4 ,right diagonal 7right front1 left hind74 #c4 ,left front4 #d4 ,moment of suspension4 ,a horse galloping right1 for instance1 seems to have the right legs always in front of the left4 ,the rider can tell by seeing if the right shoulder is further advanced than the left4 ,if the horse gallops right in front and left behind1 the rider can feel an unusual stiff movement beneath him4 ,,chapter ,v4 ,,changes ,,of ,,direction4 ,the horse being able to move forward and to decrease and increase gaits with reasonable accuracy1 changes of direction may be undertaken4 ,first ,exercise4--,the horse being at the walk1 force the horse forward with both legs1 use the open rein1 and if he moves off at an angle oblique to the original direction1 although the divergence may be small1 it is satisfactory4 ,second ,exercises4--,the horse being at the walk1 use the right or left leg to help carry the haunches around to the left or right2 use the right or left rein of opposition to turn the horse to the right or left in a direction perpendicular to the original4 ,the rein of opposition is used to combat the haunches with the shoulder4 ,the horse not yet knowing the meaning of the preponderant use of one leg of the rider1 the shoulder combating the haunch will make the haunch swing around1 and if the horse1 every time he is obliged to swing his haunches by the rein of opposition1 feels the rider's leg on that side1 he will begin to associate the use of the leg with the swinging of the haunches4 ,third ,exercise4--,as the horse begins to understand the meaning of the use of one leg1 gradually lessen the use of the rein of opposition as an open rein1 until it finally becomes a direct rein1 used only to turn the head slightly in the new direction4 ,as the rein of opposition1 or open rein1 is diminished1 supposing it to have been the right rein1 gradually bring into play the left rein of support to force the fore quarters to the right in the new direction4 ,as to the legs3 ,have both ready to maintain the impulsion1 and each ready to act singly in case the hind feet do not follow in the track of the fore feet in making the change of direction4 ,the hind legs being the propellers1 and the maximum of power being always desirable1 for purely mechanical reasons the greatest power of the hind legs is obtained when they follow in the same path as the fore legs1 during turns4 7,note4--,the third exercise should not be undertaken until the horse has accomplished most of the exercises of ,lateral ,equitation1 explained in following chapters47 ,abouts1 circles1 figures of eight1 and serpentines are exercises1 named in order of difficulty1 which may be undertaken to accomplish the same result as the above exercises1 with greater exactness4 ,all these exercises should be practiced at the walk until proficient before attempting them at the slow trot4 ,the rider sits the slow trot4 ,the ,about on the ,forehand at a ,halt4--,with horses that are naturally impulsive and are continually endeavoring to forge to the front1 abouts on the forehand from the halt may be practiced at this stage of the training4 ,with horses of exaggerated impulsiveness it may sometimes be undertaken earlier4 ,the exercise should come later for less impulsive horses4 ,the movement should always be completed by moving the horse straight to the front4 ,the about on the forehand should always be about the inside leg as a pivot1 for otherwise the movement is a retrograde one and tends to put the horse behind the bit4 ,it must be understood that at this stage of training1 that is1 during lateral equitation 7explained on page #ej71 the about on the forehand is not a finished movement4 ,the aids to be used are3 ,to execute an about on the forehand to the right2 both legs to arouse impulsion2 the right leg to swing the haunches2 the right rein of opposition to assist the right leg2 the left rein to assist the right in its second function of preventing the horse from moving forward4 ,the left leg is always ready to prevent the horse from backing4 ,about on the ,forehand 7,dismounted74--,with some horses that are particularly difficult to teach the use of the leg as an aid1 dismounted work may be resorted to4 ,short lessons only should be given4 ,working on the left side1 seize the reins six or eight inches from the bit in the left hand4 ,stand facing the horse and with the riding-whip touch him in rear of the girth where the rider's leg would ordinarily come when used as an aid4 ,increase the force of the whip1 beginning with light taps1 until the horse swings his haunches away from the whip4 ,the left hand prevents the horse moving either forward or backward4 ,if at first the horse fails to move his haunches1 he may be assisted in doing so by bringing the head slightly toward the side of the trainer4 ,this opposes the head to the haunches and assists the action of the whip4 ,,chapter ,,vi4 ,,outdoor ,,work4 ,from the moment the horse will go straight ahead outdoor work is in some cases a necessity and in all cases to a greater or less extent desirable4 ,horses which tend to get behind the bit or which do not let themselves out should frequently have outside work alternated with hall work4 ,the horse being gradually educated to a good free trot should be given them outdoors1 allowing time enough between trots for the horse to assume normal breathing4 ,outdoor work should take place with normal horses two days a week4 ,all horses need fresh outdoor air occasionally4 ,horses that are inclined to bolt or forge ahead continually1 or those that throw most of the weight on the forehand1 need much more hall work than outdoor work4 ,young horses especially should be given trots on soft ground4 ,no horse should be galloped on hard roads4 ,soft ground means turf or dirt roads1 not plowed land or stone-built roads4 ,the gallop is undertaken outdoors only when the horse can be made to lead from either foot4 ,by going in pairs nervous horses do not fret while outdoors1 as much as though alone4 ,it is likewise better not to maintain a formation in ranks while outdoors1 any more than necessary1 in order to prevent the new horses from acquiring the habit of going in ranks and refusing to leave4 ,during the last part of outdoor exercise the horse should be walked so that he is returned to the stable breathing normally4 ,,chapter ,,vii4 ,,suppling ,,exercises ,,with ,,body ,,bent4 ,different ,kinds of ,equitation4--,when1 for example1 the right rein and left leg are used to assist each other in moving the haunches1 it is called lateral equitation4 ,when the reins place the forehand and the legs alone control the hindhand1 as1 for example1 if the left rein and right leg are used1 it is called diagonal equitation4 ,,lateral ,,equitation4 ,the following points should be considered during the exercises in lateral equitation3 #a4 ,one step taken correctly is at first all that should be expected or required4 #b4 ,as the movements are fatiguing1 they should at no time be continued more than a few seconds4 #c4 ,horses that are stiff on one particular side should be suppled by exercises to that side4 #d4 ,the preceding rule applies to all parts of the horse except the neck4 ,if the neck is stiff on the right side1 supple it by exercises1 as 8,shoulder ,in0 7see below71 on the left hand4 7,capt4 ,short47 #e4 ,the movements are all begun at a walk and1 when proficient in them1 are executed at a slow trot4 #f4 ,when the movements are executed on a circle1 where the fore quarters are on one circumference and the hind quarters either on a larger or a smaller circumference1 the effect1 besides being one of suppling1 is as follows3 ,when the haunches are on a smaller circumference the horse tends toward collection1 his hind quarters tend to come up under the body1 and it is a good movement for a horse that forges ahead2 when the hind quarters are on a circle of greater circumference than the fore quarters the horse tends to be forced up into the bit and to stretch out behind1 hence it is a useful movement with sluggish horses or horses that tend to get behind the bit4 #g4 ,when executing any of the following exercises1 if the horse fails to respond to the action of both legs and does not go up into the bit1 cease the exercise at once and move straight ahead at a trot or gallop and do not return to the exercise until the horse is again into the bit4 ,first ,exercise in ,suppling the ,haunches4--,this lesson consists in abouts on the forehand while marching4 ,for example1 marching on the right hand1 leave the track on a diagonal 7oblique7 and return to it by a half turn to the left exacted by a very pronounced action of the left leg and left rein4 ,this strongly marked lateral effect carries the horse's haunches to the right2 that is to say1 the horse while still gaining ground yields to the effect of the leg 7and left rein71 and thus describes a half turn4 ,the same movement is executed while marching on the left hand and the horse eventually swings the haunches easily about the forehand1 without halting1 without striking the fetlocks1 and without dancing4 7,notes d',equitation47 ,the commands for this exercise are3 #a4 ,right oblique4 #b4 ,march4 #a4 ,on forehand4 #b4 ,half turn in reverse4 #c4 ,march4 8,half turn0 and 8reverse0 could1 in this case1 be expressed 8left half turn10 but 8in reverse0 has particular significance1 and the terms should be retained on that account4 ,haunches ,in4--,this movement is one to exact obedience to one leg while marching4 ,it continues the suppling of the hind quarters and confirms the obedience to the leg4 ,it should be undertaken only when the horse yields readily to the legs in previous exercises4 ,marching on the right hand1 use the left rein of opposition and the left leg4 ,it is sufficient if the horse swings his haunches to the right so that the left hind foot steps on a line passing through the prints of the right fore foot4 ,the left rein of opposition assists the action of the left leg4 ,at first one step is sufficient to demand at a time4 ,repeat the movement several times1 gradually demanding more steps in the correct position4 ,never demand the movement1 at any one time1 over a greater distance than the long side of the riding-hall4 ,the following cautions should be carefully observed3 #a4 ,never let the horse's body make an angle of more than #de degrees with the original direction4 ,to prevent this1 use the inside leg4 #b4 ,never let the gait diminish4 ,to prevent this1 use both legs when necessary to demand impulsion4 #c4 ,do not lean to the left when moving to the right4 ,the weight of the body should be slightly more upon the right buttock when moving to the right4 #d4 ,do not let the right rein be slack when moving to the right4 ,shoulder ,in4--,this is a similar exercise to haunches in1 but more difficult and more useful4 ,this movement supples both forehand and hindhand4 ,to execute the movement when marching on the right hand3 ,first use the right open rein and the left rein of support1 the fore quarters are then moved off the track and the head turned to the right2 the right leg is then used to push the mass from right to left and the left leg to receive the swinging of the haunches and to control the impulsion4 ,cautions to ,be ,observed3 #a4 ,during the first lessons1 after the fore quarters have been moved off the track1 to facilitate the movement along the track1 the outside rein may be slightly opened4 #b4 ,the reins prevent the lateral flexion of the neck at the shoulders by holding the head firmly between them4 #c4 ,the fore quarters are sufficiently removed from the track if the left fore foot and right hind travel along the same path parallel to the track4 ,,chapter ,,viii4 ,,diagonal ,,equitation4 ,,exercises ,,with ,,body ,,straight4 ,general ,rules for ,diagonal ,equitation3 #a4 ,perfection is gained when the body of the horse from the poll back is in a straight line4 #b4 ,the horse's head is always turned slightly at the poll to enable him to see in the direction he is going4 #c4 ,the reins set or place the forehand4 #d4 ,the legs govern the hindhand4 #e4 ,the green horse is never passaged directly to the right or left4 ,the direction of motion should not be more than #de degrees from the direction of the axis of the horse4 ,work on ,two ,tracks4--,this movement consists in displacing the horse parallel to himself in a direction oblique to that of his axis1 the front and hind legs describing four parallel tracks4 ,the exterior members cross over the interior ones4 ,the following are the aids in order to move a horse on two tracks to the right3 #a4 ,both legs1 if sufficient momentum is not already obtained1 should send the horse up into the bit to receive the indications of the reins4 #b4 ,the right direct rein makes the horse look to the side toward which he should march1 and by throwing the weight slightly to the right begins the displacement of the center of gravity towards the right4 ,the left rein of support acts at the same time as the preceding1 to insure the lateral displacement of the forehand to the right by further displacing the center of gravity4 #c4 ,the left leg1 at this moment1 becomes preponderant in order to direct the haunches to the right1 while the right leg acts if necessary to limit the displacement of the haunches1 and to oblige the horse to maintain his gait and to gain ground to the front as well as to the side4 #d4 ,the seat is displaced towards the right to aid the horse's movement to that side4 7,de ,saint-,phalle47 ,the following are exercises on two tracks3 #a4 ,on ,two ,tracks1 ,haunches ,in4--,a two-track movement along the track1 with the head to the wall1 in which the haunches move on an inside track1 the horse being in the position described above for the work on two tracks and being governed by similar aids4 #b4 ,on ,two ,tracks1 ,haunches ,out4--,same as above1 except the croup is to the wall and the fore quarters move on an inside track1 the hind quarters on the track4 #c4 ,on ,two ,tracks on the ,diagonal4--,a movement in which a horse moves across the hall on the diagonal on two tracks4 #d4 ,on ,two ,tracks on a ,circle4--,described by its name4 ,the haunches being on a smaller or larger circle than the fore quarters4 ,the same principles apply in each case as described for work on two tracks4 ,,commands4 ,for ,first ,exercise4--#a4 ,on two tracks4 #b4 ,haunches in4 #c4 ,march4 ,for ,second ,exercise4--#a4 ,on two tracks4 #b4 ,haunches out4 #c4 ,march4 ,for ,third ,exercise4--#a4 ,on two tracks4 #b4 ,right oblique4 #c4 ,march4 ,for ,fourth ,exercise4--#a4 ,on two tracks4 #b4 ,haunches in 7or out74 #c4 ,march4 7,foot-note to ,saumur ,notes47 ,about on the ,forehand at a ,halt4--,to execute this movement from left to right the aids are as follows3 #a4 ,carry the weight of the mass over the shoulders by the equal action of both legs4 #b4 ,just as the horse is about to move out1 close the fingers on the reins and prevent further advance4 #c4 ,use the right rein of support to bring the weight upon the left shoulder4 #d4 ,use the left direct rein to turn the horse's head to the left at the poll4 #e4 ,use the left leg to move the haunches to the right4 #f4 ,the right leg remains ready to maintain the advanced position of the center of gravity and likewise to limit the movement of the haunches to that side4 #g4 ,the seat should be carried to the right to facilitate the displacement of the haunches to that side4 ,about on the ,haunches4--,this movement is more difficult than the about on the forehand and should be undertaken only after the work on two tracks is well understood4 ,the movement is first taught by moving the horse on two tracks on a small circle2 for example1 to the right1 with haunches in4 ,gradually decrease the diameter of the circle as the horse becomes proficient4 ,as the circle becomes smaller change the direction of the rein so that the direction of the pull is toward the right haunch to weight the latter down4 ,likewise increase the pressure of the left leg until it is sufficient to prevent little by little any movement on the part of the haunches4 ,the circle then is finally diminished so that the movement is that of a circle on the part of the forehand about the right hind leg as a pivot4 ,if the movement should be about the left hind leg1 or outside leg1 as a pivot1 it becomes a retrograde movement1 which is liable to put the horse behind the bit4 ,the ,gallop4--,heretofore the gallop has been undertaken merely as a means of exercise to strengthen and stretch out the horse and to teach him a little in balancing himself by the use of his legs4 ,no attention was paid at first to the leads2 later a little lateral equitation was used to partially insure the correct lead4 ,a horse is leading correctly when the right laterals 7right front and right hind7 are in advance of the left laterals1 when turning to the right4 ,this is called 8leading right40 ,a horse is galloping disunited when he is galloping one way in front and another way in rear4 ,on small circles or sudden turns of direction a horse is liable to fall if not leading correctly4 ,the ,right ,lead4--,to require a horse to lead to the right1 the aids are3 #a4 ,weight of the body to the left1 weight in left stirrup in order to weight down the left haunch4 #b4 ,use of the left leg to cause the haunches to be displaced to the right consequently requiring the right lateral to pass the left4 #c4 ,use the right leg to join its action to that of the left to give the necessary impulsion and to receive the haunches and prevent their being moved too far to the right4 ,the horse being driven by the legs up into the bit1 is received by the reins in the following manner3 #d4 ,right rein of support exerted in a direction toward the left shoulder to weight the latter1 for it must be slowed down2 at the same time this movement frees the right shoulder and allows it to extend itself4 ,the horse is made to slightly turn the head to the right at the poll in order that he may see in the direction in which he is going4#a #e4 ,left direct rein corroborates the action of the right and keeps the neck straight4 7,de ,saint-,phalle47 #f4 ,if the gallop is taken from the trot while posting1 rising with the right diagonal assists the right lead4 ,rising from the left diagonal assists the left lead4 ,when perfection is attained1 the horse does not perceptibly swing his haunches to the right or left4 #a ,note4--,for paragraphs #d and #e the following paragraphs1 showing a method of using the reins1 may be substituted4 ,this method is taught by some of the best authorities in our service4 ,it certainly can be reasoned out as well as that mentioned above1 it is more easy to put in practice and produces results in a scientific manner4 8#a4 ,use the left direct rein to weight the left shoulder4 8#b4 ,exert sufficient pressure on the right rein to keep the head from being turned to the left1 so that the horse may see where he is going1 and at the same time raise the right hand slightly to assist in lightening the weight on the right shoulder1 thereby assisting to free it40 ,,chapter ,,ix4 ,,backing4 ,this exercise is a suppling one for back and haunches1 and is especially applicable to horses who have difficulty in bringing the hind legs under the body4 ,it is an exercise which to the unskillful is dangerous1 as it tends to put a horse behind the bit4 ,to the skillful it is of course less dangerous yet it should not be undertaken by either until this point in the education of the horse is reached1 provided he be normal4 ,with horses that are very difficult to hold1 or are continually bolting1 backing exercises may be undertaken earlier in the training4 ,the movement may be advantageously taught dismounted at first4 ,teaching the ,backward ,movement1 ,dismounted3--,the trainer stands facing the horse4 ,he takes the reins one in each hand and slightly lowers the head to relieve the weight on the hind quarters4 ,he then makes a slight movement with his hands towards his own body1 sufficient to prepare the horse to move forward4 ,as the horse is about to move out the trainer presses directly toward the horse with the bit until the horse takes a step to the rear4 ,one step at first is sufficient4 ,after a few lessons of this1 the trainer steps to the left side of the horse1 with the reins in the left hand1 the riding-whip in the right4 ,he stimulates the hind quarters with a light touch of the whip1 and as the horse starts to move his hind quarters up under his body he urges him to take a step to the rear by the pressure of the bit4 ,as soon as he takes a step or two as desired1 he leads him forward4 ,mounted4--,when the horse can perform the last exercise well1 mount him4 ,use the aids required to move the horse to the front2 then1 just as he is about to move out1 increase the pressure of the reins and lean slightly back until the horse steps to the rear4 ,as soon as the horse at first has taken a single step to the rear he should be moved straight to the front4 ,later several steps to the rear may be required1 but a movement to the front always follows the last step4 ,if difficulty is at any time encountered in moving the horse forward after the backward movement1 backing should cease as an exercise until the horse is sent up into the bit again4 ,if the horse sets himself1 move him forward a step or two1 and as he is moving exert the aids for the backward movement until he obeys4 ,moving a horse's haunches laterally will help to prevent a horse from setting himself and refusing to back4 ,this exercise should not be repeated often in a single day4 ,,part ,,ii4 ,,chapter ,i4 ,,the ,,double ,,bridle4 ,the horse that can perform successfully the foregoing exercises1 that has found his balance while moving forward1 that is easy to control by the aids at the walk and trot1 and that has learned the use of his legs in accomplishing a good walk1 trot1 and gallop1 is ready for the double bridle4 ,it normally takes about three months to accomplish this4 ,definition4--,the double bridle is one with usually four cheek straps1 which fasten1 one into the eye of the curb bit the other into the ring of the snaffle bit4 ,the curb bit is nearer the front of the horse's mouth than the snaffle1 and the curb chain likewise passes in front of the snaffle bit4 ,the ,severity of the ,curb ,bit ,increases-- #a4 ,with the difference between the length of the upper and lower branches4 #b4 ,with the tightness of the curb chain4 #c4 ,with the height of the port4 #d4 ,inversely with the size of the canons4 7,de ,saint-,phalle47 ,bits with branches similar in length to the ,u4 ,s4 regulation bit are arranged below in order of mildness3 #a4 ,the broken curb bit4 7,like a snaffle bit1 but with upper and lower branches and curb chain47 #b4 ,rubber- and leather-covered bits4 #c4 ,the straight bar bit4 #d4 ,the regulation bit4 ,kinds4--,the 8,weymouth0 or 8,pump0 bit is quite universally used for polo4 ,why it is considered efficacious for polo especially is not known4 ,it is a good bit1 except the lips are liable to become pinched4 ,the 8,pelham0 is a bit provided with rings for the snaffle rein at the junction of the canon with the branches4 ,the action of the curb reins on this bit does not produce the same effect1 when the snaffle reins are used at the same time1 as it does on a curb bit1 where the snaffle reins are attached to a separate snaffle bit4 ,it is a general rule to follow1 that all complicated bits are useless1 and that with a well-trained horse the mildest bit that will insure obedience is the correct one4 ,,schedule ,,for ,,accustoming ,,the ,,horse ,,to ,,the ,,curb ,,bit4 ,the reins are held in both hands1 snaffle reins outside the little fingers4 #a4 ,use the curb bit without curb chain until the horse becomes accustomed to it4 #b4 ,use the mildest bit available and fasten the curb chain loosely4 ,at first only move on straight lines until the horse takes the bit quietly1 then execute simple exercises in which the horse is proficient4 ,these exercises at first are begun on the snaffle bit4 #c4 ,use the bit best adapted to the horse1 and set the curb chain to keep the bit from falling through4 ,work mainly on the snaffle bit until the horse becomes accustomed to the bit and curb chain4 ,the preceding movements should be begun at first at a slow gait4 ,use4--,the curb bit is used primarily1 in training1 to lower the head1 to flex the jaw1 and to bring the nose in towards the body4 ,the snaffle bit raises the head and supports the horse4 ,a curb bit will not stop a horse that makes up his mind to bolt4 ,a curb bit roughly used may cause a horse to make up his mind to bolt4 ,a 8hard mouth0 is often a tender mouth accustomed to hard hands4 ,the ,curb ,bit 8,gathers0 the ,horse4--,a horse is gathered when his head and neck are well raised1 the front line of the face nearly vertical1 and the jaw and the junction of the head and neck at the poll flexible4 ,a horse in a state of 8collection0 is in a position to obey1 to the utmost of his capability1 any demands the aids may give4 ,a horse is in 8collection0 when he is gathered and his hind legs are well up under the body4 ,when a horse is collected1 the rider1 by having omitted bending the neck near the shoulders during training1 has the neck firm on the shoulders and not flexible or 8rubber-necked40 ,hence the rider acts on the neck through the mouth and on the shoulders through the neck4 ,the hind quarters by being under the horse bind themselves to the forehand4 ,the rider then by acting on the forehand acts likewise upon the hind quarters4 ,the entire body of the horse should be1 if properly collected1 an energetic and harmonious whole4 ,the horse is 8in hand10 because his jaw is flexible and he yields to the effects of the bit4 ,the horse is light or handy1 because he is balanced by continual training and because his center of gravity is equally near both front and hind quarters2 hence the proper movement on the part of the rider will disturb this balance in any direction desired4 ,the rider at this point1 being supposed to be able to get the hind legs up under the horse1 must learn to gather him4 ,to gather the horse involves3 #a4 ,direct flexion 7the flexion of the jaw and head in the direction of the axis of the horse47 #b4 ,lateral flexion 7the flexion of the neck at the poll in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the horse74 ,direct ,flexion4--,direct flexion is the concession the head and lower jaw of the horse make in the vertical plane of the axis1 of the horse when the action of the reins arrests the extension of the neck4 ,the giving of the neck is confined to the upper portions2 the front line of the face is made to approach a vertical line and the head is made to make in an almost imperceptible manner a movement analogous to a nod4 ,the giving of the jaw consists in opening the mouth1 causing complete abandon of the bit1 followed immediately by the closing of the mouth and the taking up of contact with the bit again4 ,to flex the jaw in direct flexion1 first start the horse into a walk4 ,never let the gait slacken during flexion4 ,close the legs4 ,when the horse goes up into the bit1 close one hand on one snaffle rein 7if the movement is done with a snaffle bit71 or close the hand on both curb reins4 ,do not make the pressure of long duration if resistance is encountered4 ,alternate the action1 first by releasing1 then increasing the pressure4 ,this is more uncomfortable to the horse than continued pressure1 and he will soon yield4 ,the head is flexed in direct flexion so that it is set with the front line of the face nearly vertical by the action of both curb reins4 ,the head and neck are raised by the snaffle bit1 should they be lowered too much4 ,lateral ,flexion4--,lateral flexion is a concession which the head and neck make by turning the head to the right or to the left when an opposing action of the reins stops an extension of the neck4 ,the jaw gives in lateral flexion as in direct flexion4 ,the neck gives by making the head make a turn of a quarter of a circle to the right or left at the poll4 ,lateral flexion should be demanded1 in the beginning1 at the walk4 ,to obtain it1 to the right1 for example3 first1 resistance must be offered by the right direct rein1 which leads the head into the desired position2 the left rein then acts to limit this movement and to work together with the right rein to obtain the concession of the jaw4 ,flexion may be made dismounted1 if absolutely impossible of execution mounted4 ,direct ,flexion ,dismounted4--,stand on the near side of the horse4 ,take the snaffle reins off the neck over the horse's head and hold them a few inches in front of his head with the left hand4 ,urge the horse forward into a walk and raise the head slightly to the proper elevation with the snaffle reins4 ,when the horse moves out at the walk1 take the curb reins in the right hand and assimilate the movement of the reins as though flexing the jaw mounted4 ,do not let the horse slacken speed or1 at any cost1 back up4 ,lateral ,flexion ,dismounted4--,stand on the near side1 with the snaffle rein held as for direct flexion4 ,execute direct flexion and when performed lead the horse's head to the right with a snaffle rein1 increasing the pressure of the right curb rein slightly until the head is turned to the right at the poll4 ,do not let the horse move backward1 nor let the neck flex in rear of the poll4 ,the maximum movement of the head is over an arc of a circle of #ij degrees4 ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,,the ,,change ,,of ,,lead ,,at ,,the ,,gallop4 ,this movement is to be undertaken when the horse is capable of taking the desired lead from a trot on a straight line4 #a4 ,put the horse on a circle of large radius1 at a gallop4 ,leave the circle by a line parallel to the diagonal of the riding-hall and form another large circle to the opposite hand1 keeping the same lead at the gallop as on the first circle4 ,galloping on the second circle with the same lead as on the first is galloping 8false40 ,besides lowering the croup and balancing the horse1 the false lead impresses the aids upon the horse1 because to maintain a false lead the aids used on the first circle must be more strongly used on the second4 #b4 ,gallop the horse on a straight line1 leading right4 ,bring him down to a trot1 previously having changed the aids to gallop left1 which assists in bringing the horse to the trot and prepares the way for the next move4 ,as soon as the trot is taken1 increase the aids of gallop left1 increase the impulsion1 and send the horse into gallop left1 with only a few steps of the trot intervening between gallops4 ,gradually1 as the horse becomes proficient1 decrease the number of steps taken at the trot4 #c4 ,when the amount of trot required between changes of lead is hardly more than a slackening of speed1 or 8half halt10 make a large circle to the right at the gallop1 leading right4 ,leave the circle on the diagonal1 as before1 and make another circle to the left1 holding the right lead4 ,change the aids1 while on the second circle1 to gallop left1 without coming to the trot1 and force the horse into the change of lead4 #d4 ,when the horse can accomplish the above1 attempt the change of aids and force the change of lead on the straight line without diminishing the gait4 ,the above movements are very difficult to accomplish smoothly and correctly4 ,the change of aids must not be accomplished roughly and the aids must be used with only the intensity required to change the lead1 thereby not forcing the horse to increase of speed4 ,,part ,,iii4 ,,chapter ,i4 ,,jumping4 ,jumping is an exercise which when properly undertaken is most instructive and productive of good results to both man and horse4 ,,mechanism ,,of ,,the ,,jump ,,for ,,height4 7,jumping from the ,gallop ,left47 #a4 ,as the left fore foot is about to leave the ground1 just before the moment of suspension of the gallop1 the leg1 especially the fetlock joint1 is straightened4 #b4 ,the head and neck are elevated4 ,the above movement raises the forehand4 #c4 ,just as the left foot is raised the two hind legs are brought up to a place on the ground about where the left fore foot was4 #d4 ,the hind legs are straightened out4 ,due to the last movement1 the horse completely leaves the ground and takes the obstacle1 with fore and hind legs bent4 #e4 ,the horse lands on the left fore foot1 legs straight4 #f4 ,the right fore foot1 leg straight1 is then brought to the support4 #g4 ,the left fore foot is picked up4 #h4 ,the right fore foot is picked up and simultaneously the left hind comes to the ground4 #i4 ,the right hind comes to the ground4 ,the horse then is galloping right after landing4 ,the horse leaps from a trot from one front leg and both hind legs4 ,the leap is more difficult1 as it is impossible at a trot to get both hind legs side by side up under the body to 8take off40 ,from the walk and halt1 the horse in jumping first rears1 then straightens out his hind legs4 ,as jumping for height at a gallop is the easiest for a horse1 and as the principles encountered apply equally well to the other gaits1 the following deductions are made from the mechanism at the gallop1 as explained in previous paragraphs4 ,from ,paragraph #a3 ,as the distance from the jump to the place where the left leg leaves the ground is of the utmost importance to the horse1 he should be allowed to gauge his stride while approaching the jump4 ,from ,paragraph #b3 ,as the head and neck are raised to assist in raising the fore quarters1 the rider's body should not lean forward of the perpendicular1 for this would hinder the movement4 ,as the horse's object is to lighten the fore quarters1 it follows that great speed is a detriment to a horse in jumping1 for the more speed the more weight upon the forehand4 ,raising the head and neck necessitates lengthening the reins at the moment of extension1 or letting them slide through the fingers4 ,it follows then1 that1 as a false movement of the hand with a severe bit causes greater injury than one with a snaffle bit1 a snaffle bit should be used in jumping until proficiency is obtained4 ,from ,paragraph #c3 ,to facilitate the bringing well up under the body of the hind leg1 the rider's legs must be carried back4 ,from ,paragraph #e3 ,the weight of the rider's body must set to the rear to assist the horse by lightening the load on the forehand while landing4 ,if a severe bit or a hard hand pulls the head in and bends the neck while the horse is in this position1 by cramping the muscles of the neck the horse is prevented from stretching his legs to the front to insure a safe landing4 ,from ,paragraph #g3 ,if the rider's weight is forward or he is thrown upon the horse's neck while the horse is landing1 the extra weight on the forehand prevents the fore leg being picked up and causes over-reaching4 ,extreme speed has the same effect with the same result4 ,from ,paragraphs #h and #i3 ,it is seen that the horse is galloping with the other lead after landing4 ,in jumping in the riding-hall care should be exercised at the corner beyond the jump if at the gallop1 for1 if galloping correctly at the start1 the horse is galloping false after the jump4 ,teaching the ,horse to ,jump4--,place a bar upon the ground and lead the horse over it at a walk4 ,when the horse executes this movement correctly1 raise the bar to about two feet and jump the horse upon the longe4 ,to ,jump a ,horse on the ,longe4--,first instruct the horse sufficiently upon the longe until he goes equally well on either hand4 ,approach the jump1 the horse circling on the longe on the left hand1 for instance4 ,the trainer holds the longe in the left hand so that it can be allowed to run out with ease2 the longeing-whip is held in the right hand4 ,circle the horse near the jump until the horse goes quietly4 ,the circles are made slightly in rear of the jump4 ,when the horse is quiet1 move so that the jump will intercept the circle the horse is making4 ,as the horse approaches the jump the trainer1 with the longe fairly taut1 likewise approaches the end of the bar nearest him1 keeping the longeing-whip held in rear of the horse4 ,urge the horse with the whip1 if necessary1 until he jumps4 ,after taking off1 let the longe run through the fingers so as not to yank the horse or bring him up short4 ,when the horse does well1 stop him and caress him or give him carrots or oats4 ,jumping should be begun at first at the walk1 then at the trot and gallop4 ,the horse jumping for the first time gauges his stride more easily at the walk4 ,a bar may be placed two or three feet from the ground in the opening of the corral fence1 etc41 so that the horses that have been worked at jumping on the longe may be thus intercepted by an easy jump on their way to the corral or to some such place to which they are desirous of going4 ,a man with a longeing-whip stands ready to urge on any that refuse4 ,this jump should be stiff and helps to prepare horses for outdoor jumping4 ,riding the ,horse ,over the ,jump4--,the horse being able to jump with sufficient accuracy1 on the longe1 is mounted4 ,first1 he is ridden over the bar on the ground1 then over the bar gradually raised to suit the horse4 ,on taking a horse up to the jump the following are essential points to remember3 #a4 ,the rider must make up his mind that he is going to make the horse jump4 #b4 ,he must have confidence in his balance and not stiffen his muscles4 #c4 ,he must increase the grip with his knees and the calves of his legs and keep his hands low4 #d4 ,the rider must have the horse well in hand and must remember that if a horse attempts to slip out to the left1 the use of the right rein1 to turn the head to the right1 helps the horse to go to the left by freeing the left shoulder4 ,the rein of support is the one which should be used1 together with whichever leg will straighten the horse so that he is perpendicular to his jump4 ,horses are more easily controlled in the riding-hall1 but jump with more freedom outdoors4 ,outdoor jumping should be taken up as soon as the horse learns to jump moderately well indoors4 ,wings are not found in 'cross-country work1 hence a troop horse whose training is fitting him for just such work should not be made dependent upon them by their use in the riding-hall all the time4 ,jumping for ,breadth4--,this is a more difficult jump to teach a new horse1 because he is more fearful of a ditch than of a fence4 ,from the nature of the jump1 it can only be taught outdoors4 ,the method of instruction is the same as for jumping for height4 ,as the momentum acquired by speed is essential to carry the horse's body across an open ditch1 greater speed is necessary than in jumping for height4 ,excessive speed1 however1 so weights down the forehand that it becomes difficult for the horse to raise his forehand sufficiently to clear the ditch4 ,,conclusion4 ,although all horses are different one from another1 the preceding rules generally apply4 ,the rider who appreciates the needs of his horse is the one most likely to succeed in training4 ,to many1 the expenditure of six months in training troop horses by these methods seems unnecessary and impracticable4 ,with experienced men and amenable horses the time may be slightly reduced4 ,a horse cannot be hurried1 and slipshod1 careless training is often worse than none4 ,as it has been found entirely practical to follow out this course with enlisted men on remounts at a regimental post1 it is to be hoped that heavy1 hard-gaited1 uncomfortable horses to ride will soon disappear from the ranks4 ,illustration3 ,arion4 ,the highest-priced ,american trotter4 ,purchased by ,j4 ,malcolm ,forbes1 ,boston1 ,mass41 for #abe1jjj4 ,now owned by ,m4 ,w4 ,savage1 ,minneapolis1 ,minn4 ,arion holds the fastest record for a three-year-old colt of #b4aj4 ,illustration by courtesy of ,mr4 ,savage4