ACTION OF THE AIDS. 79 



him, and consequently to relieve the forehand of weight. In 

 this way he obtained le rassembler (collection of the horse), 

 which he justly regarded as an indispensable means of 

 breaking. The maintenance of the horse's head in a 

 vertical position, which is a condition of Baucher's ras- 

 sembler, is a refinement of no practical utility. As I have 

 already remarked, the large number of our saddle horses 

 which are " heavy in front," is the best proof that the 

 majority of Englishmen who get up on horses, " ride the 

 bridle," and neglect the use of the legs as an " aid." At 

 the same time, I must say that every fine horseman in our 

 midst is quite as alive as Baucher was, to the importance 

 of riding more by the legs than by the hands. The breaker 

 should constantly bear in mind the necessity of teaching 

 his saddle pupils to obey the indications of both legs and 

 reins, so that they may be able to be collected when 

 required. 



RESPECTIVE ACTIONS OF THE SNAFFLE AND CURB. 



The indications of the curb are complex and indirect, and 

 prompt the horse either to fight against them, or to unduly 

 lower his head and to bring his chin into his chest, in either 

 of which cases his movements are interfered with by the 

 position assumed by the head and neck. The action of the 

 snaffle, especially when it is un jointed (see page 168), is 

 more direct, and its indications are consequently freer from 

 ambiguity. The breaking in of a horse with a curb is apt 

 to spoil him for subsequent work in a snaffle, the use of 

 which can in no way hinder him from being taught that of 

 the curb. Hence the snaffle should be the only bit employed 

 by the breaker for all ordinary requirements, until his pupil 

 is perfect in it. After that, he may teach the animal to go in 

 a curb. When riding under the usual conditions of field or 



