54 HORSEMANSHIP. 



will not suffice that he should own the mastery of one, he 

 must be amenable to both, for without invariable, unhesi- 

 tating obedience to both he cannot be a perfect riding- 

 horse. 



For obvious reasons the voice, except it be in the form 

 of the word of command, is not permitted to rank among 

 the aids in the military riding-school, but with every other 

 class of horse it is fully entitled to be regarded as such. 

 Many an old troop or battery horse knows and obeys the 

 command as readily as the trained man on his back. 



The different aids are called in requisition in the follow- 

 ing manner, the supposition in most cases being that the 

 horse is being ridden in a snaffle or on the bridoon. 



Walk. — Slacken the hold on the bit by turning the little 

 fingers of both hands forwards towards the horse's head, 

 both legs at the same moment and together being pressed 

 to the horse's side, giving the word to move with the 

 accompanying k-l-k. When the horse has moved off bring 

 his head in, arch his neck, do not let him poke his nose 

 out, let the hands resume their former position, do not let 

 him saunter in a slovenly manner, but step out smartly well 

 up to the hand. Do not press him beyond his best walking 

 pace, and be careful that the pace is a true one, not border- 

 ing on the trot or amble. 



Halt. — Simultaneously with the word IV/ioa I or Half! 

 bring the little fingers towards the breast, turning the nails 

 of both hands inwards and upwards in the direction of the 

 body. See that when halted he stands evenly on both hind 

 legs. 



Rein back. — Properly speaking, this movement to the rear 

 should be performed with the bit, and in using it great care 

 must be taken not to jerk the mouth. Before attempting 

 this practice with a novice, he must be prepared for it by 



