226 THE HORSE BOOK. 



we were riding; that is, some horses could have done it, 

 but the ordinary rider will do well to go at each gait from 

 the flat-foot walk, except when stealing into the rack from 

 the slow-pace. Our horses have had a brief breathing spell 

 and are ready for the trot. 



"Take your horse on the snaffle entirely; do not lug on 

 both curb and snaffle, as so many do who try to ride with 

 double rein but have never learned how. 'Cluck' to him, 

 and as he prepares to start off begin to post that is, rise 

 in the saddle. If your horse is 'on an edge' in his gaits he 

 will trot. Sometimes he will make a mistake and start out 

 on a 'jiggle.' Bring him immediately to a walk and try 

 again. As you give him the word this time reach forward 

 and with your right hand grasp him by the mane well up 

 on the neck. If he does not trot then he has forgotten his 

 early lessons and needs to be worked with. Some trainers 

 give the signal to trot by pulling an ear; this is anything 

 but sightly. It is bad enough to have to pull the mane, 

 but to twist and pull at the ear in. the attempt to start a 

 horse on a trot is a trick that ought never to be taught. 

 The thoroughJy broken horse should trot when he is taken 

 on the snaffle and touched on the neck with hand or crop. 

 This is getting down to a fine point, but that is just where 

 it ought to be. 



"If you were riding with single curb-rein bridle you 

 would probably have to take hold of the mane and hold it 

 for a few seconds while you begin to post. The user of the 

 double-rein has the advantage; his signal to trot can scarce- 

 ly be noticed. This is desirable, as the less fuss and flurry 

 in changing gaits the better. When your horse strikes a 

 square trot hold him on the snaffle and make him work up 

 to it. Do not let him sprawl along in an extended trot, as 

 in harness. Keep him in hand; keep his legs working un- 

 der him, and post just as little as need be to catch the mo- 

 tion of the horse. Do not rise so high in the saddle at every 

 step that a man could throw a yellow dog by the tail under 

 you. 



"Well, is your liver sufficiently agitated for this time? 

 Let us slow down then and walk a bit. We may even loaf 

 a while and let the horses take care of themselves, but it 

 is well not to fall into the habit of it, as the horse will 

 quickly learn to want his own way in everything. And now 

 for the canter, the most graceful and enjoyable gait when 

 perfectly performed. Take your horse in hand. Let him 

 know that the loafing time is ended. Pull him together un- 

 til his legs are under him; balance him, and take him on 

 the curb lightly, lean forward a bit, and salute him with 



