XVI. 



Easing the hand on the curb bit. — We have previously 

 discussed the easing of the hand on the snaffle bit. The 

 suppling exercise is the same when made on the curb bit, 

 but in this case it should be followed by raising the head 

 again. 



The horse having yielded the jaw, loosen the fingers 

 and continue the action of the legs in order to push the 

 horse gently in pursuit of liis bit. From the very begin- 

 ning of training he has grown accustomed to lean lightly 

 on the bit, and he therefore extends his neck and lowers 

 his head to recover this customary support. 



The extension of the neck vvdll be sufficient and will be 

 well executed whenever the horse, without increasing or 

 decreasing the gait, extends his nose downward and for- 

 ward to the level of the knees and keeps his jaw flexible. 



The raising of the head is effected by carrying the hands 

 forward and pulling upward on the reins, the legs still 

 preventing any slowing up. 



These suppling exercises should be repeated at a walk, 

 trot, and gallop, and on the three lines. 



Easing the hand is an exercise suitable for horses too 

 high in front, with a high neck — that is, cither upside down 

 or ewe-necked — and for those with weak hind quarters, 

 predisposed to injuries. It should be used very sparingly 

 with horses that are high behind, especially if the withers 

 are low and sunken, the shoulders straight, the neck thin, 

 and the head large. 



What should be understood by give and take — Action 

 of the fingers on the reins. — As the horse should always 

 be in close touch with the hand of the rider, the expression 

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