XX. 



Where should the training of the troop horse stop? — 

 The training of the troop horse should stop after the gallop 

 lead has been included. It is useless, or rather impossi- 

 ble to proceed further with the material available. A 

 horse for the ranks, that goes straight and free at all gaits, 

 that is easily handled in any direction and that takes the 

 gallop lead readily on either foot, is in condition to satisfy 

 all demands imposed in the service. But this elementary 

 education is not sufficient to meet the requirements of an 

 officer, who should always have a perfectly trained horse. 

 It is therefore important to point out what movements 

 will perfect and complete the animal's schooling. 



The false gallop. — Galloping false is used as a means of 

 lowering the croup, of balancing the horse and holding 

 him in his gallop. There are no special instructions about 

 leading with the outside foot; the only difficulty is to 

 pass the corners without the horse becoming disunited. 

 To avoid this, the haunches must be strongly supported 

 by the inside leg and the horse must be held set by the 

 outside rein (supporting rein) in order to free the shoulder 

 on that side and keep it in the lead. In making a change 

 of direction when galloping false, the hands should be 

 slightly lowered (eased), so that the movements of the 

 hind quarters will not be hampered and checked. 



(It is also most important to forcibly keep up the gait. 

 If allowed to slow up, the horse is almost certain to escape 

 from the aids and change the lead. — The Board.) 



Alternating the gallop at short intervals. — The gallop 

 leads comprise all the essential principles of training: 

 Setting the head, the neck, the shoulders, and the 



68 



