CHANGES OF DIRECTION, 89 



forehand without deviating from it in the sHghtest degree 

 The horse ought ahvays to keep his liuid-quarters in the 

 same direction as the shoulders. It is the rider's business 

 to decide whether he should apply a more or less strong 

 pressure with one leg or with the other leg, according as the 

 horse swerves to one side or the other. 



As a general rule, when we turn to the right, the hind- 

 quarters are inclined to swing round too much to the left ; 

 and vice versa. Therefore, unless in exceptional cases, we 

 ought to apply the outward leg somewhat more strongly 

 than the inward one when we turn. 



In turning, the action of the leg, the office of which is to 

 prevent any deviation of the croup, should never precede 

 that of the hand, but should immediately follow it. 



Another way is at first to turn the croup inwards, by 

 doing which, the movement of the head, and immediately 

 afterwards that of the neck and shoulders, is made difficult. 

 Besides, the arched condition of the croup and shoulders 

 will prompt the horse to resist the action of the rein. 



We occasionally meet horses which naturally or by habit 

 go sideways. In this case, they always bring their croup to 

 the same side. If, for instance, they carry it to the right, 

 that is to say, inwards, when we turn them to the right, we 

 shall be obliged to apply the inward (right) leg more strongly 

 than the outward one. But if, in turning such a horse to 

 the left, he continues to carry his croup to the right, a 

 stronger application will have to be given by the outward 

 (right) leg. Therefore, with the same animal we may some- 

 times have to apply the inward, and at other times, the 

 outward leg. 



To get the horse to readily change direction, and to give 

 him the required mobility, we should make him perform in 

 the school, different exercises, such as doubters^ voltes, demi- 

 voltes, and changes of hand. 



