230 THE ARMY HORSE. 



to stand quietly. Do at a slow trot the same movements 

 which had just been taught at a walk. 



Increase the number of side steps in rotation. Rein back 

 mounted. Work with the hand. 



Second fortnight. Lunge in a similar manner. Confirm the 

 preceding work. Do the ordinary changes of direction at the 

 trot, with all the horses in twos and fours, and make them 

 cross in every direction. Do the demi-volte and finish it up 

 by a few side steps. Continue the work with the hand, while 

 requiring the direct flexion* with the head high. Begin the 

 lateral flexions, side steps and shoulder in.f 



THIRD MONTH. 



First fortnight. Similar lunging. Increase the speed of the 

 trdt in all the changes of direction, and in all the movements 

 in which all the horses are working together. Lengthen the 

 trot as much as possible in a straight line. " Two tracks," 

 Begin starting into the canter on the right leg, and as soon as 

 the horse will do this readily, make him lead ofif with the left leg. 



When the horse has become proficient at the canter, make 

 him do at this pace all the movements he has learned at 

 the walk and trot. Increase and improve the suppling 

 exercises by the hand. 



At the end of the lesson teach the horses to jump 

 (p. 195 et seg.). 



Second fortnight. Similar exercises. Confirm and improve 

 the preceding ones. Accustom the horses to flags, sabres, lances, 

 firearms, explosions, passing through fire, swimming,:|: etc. 



* Up to this, it should only be asked for. 



t The shoulder to the wall, which is much more easy, should be done only 

 when mounted. 



X What should a rider do, when he is in water, trying to cross a river ? 



We must not think that a horse which is not accustomed to the water will 

 swim with ease the moment he loses his feet. The only idea which such an 

 animal has, is to keep his head out of the water and to raise his neck as high as 



