284 SCHOOL BREAKING. 



of the animal's body. The reversed aids are required for 

 the extension of the near fore. 



THE SPANISH WALK 



(see Fig. 121) is a walk in which each fore leg is extended 

 straight out to the front in a direction as nearly as possible 

 parallel to the ground, kept in that position for a brief mo- 

 ment, and placed on the ground without bending the knee, 

 after the body has been brought forward the requisite dis- 

 tance for the step. 



Having made the horse perfect in the extension of a 

 fore leg to the front, we may commence instruction in 

 the Spanish walk on foot, by holding the reins in the 

 left hand, as before, close to the chin while facing the 

 horse. Having obtained extension of one fore leg in 

 the manner described, we should bring the animal for- 

 ward by the reins, assisted, if need be, by " clicking " 

 with the tongue, so that he will take a step forward. 

 While he is doing this we should, by the whip, prevent 

 him from bending the leg at the knee. After rewarding 

 him for his correct performance with one leg, we should 

 proceed to obtain a similar step with the other, and by 

 diminishing the interval of time between the steps, we 

 shall at last arrive at the Spanish walk. While using 

 the whip we should face the horse and walk backwards, 

 and should at each step turn his head to the side of the 

 leg which is at that moment on the ground. When 

 mounted we should apply the same aids as we did for the 

 extension of a fore leg, and having obtained it, should 

 make the animal go forward by the action of the legs, 

 and, if necessary, by " clicking," which we should dispense 

 with as soon as practicable. We must bear in mind that 

 at each step there should be a change of aids. 



