72 Curb, Snaffle, and Spur. 



A still closer collection is " the union," in 

 which the forces are so nearly balanced that 

 the pace is very slow and the increased exertion 

 of the horse is turned into action. It is best 

 taught from a slow trot, the impulses from the 

 croup in that pace giving the hand the means 

 of bringing about the close collection of the 

 forces. When the crest is curved, the jaw is 

 pliant, and the muscles of the neck swell and 

 play, and the horse seems to grow under the 

 rider, while the pace is one in which with bold 

 and high action each pair of diagonally disposed 

 legs work in perfect unison, the horse then is in 

 " the union," the highest form of collection con- 

 sistent with motion in which there is no pause 

 at each stride. The union may also be pro- 

 duced in the gallop, where the pace will be one 

 of four beats. The union is used in reducing 

 the speed for changes of direction, as prelimi- 

 nary for the half-halt, and for the production 

 of brilliant action. 



When the forces are brought to a point of 

 absolute union and balance under the rider 

 there can be no motion, and we have the half- 

 halt or poise. The horse is still in action, that 



