LATERAL FLEXIONS ON HORSEBACK. 91 



The flexion to the left is executed in the 

 same way, the rider employing alternately 

 the snaffle and the curb-reins. 



I have already mentioned that it is of 

 great importance to supple the upper part 

 of the neck. After mounting, and having 

 obtained the lateral flexions without resist 

 ance, the rider will often content himself 

 with executing them half-way, the head and 

 upper part of the neck pivoting upon the 

 lower part, which will serve as a base, or 

 axis. This exercise must be frequently re 

 peated, even after the horse s education is 

 completed, in order to keep up the pliabil 

 ity of his neck, and facilitate the getting 

 him in hand. 



It now remains for us, in order to com 

 plete the suppling of the head and neck, to 

 combat the contractions which occasion the 

 direct resistances, and prevent our getting 



