TO TEACH HIGH-SCHOOL GAITS 147 



Probably the most admired are the fancy high steps. 

 These are the park walk, park trot and Spanish trot. 

 The park walk has the same diagonal motion of the legs 

 as the flat walk, but the knee and hock action has been 

 cultivated until the forearm of the front legs reaches 

 out parallel to the body, and the knee and hock greatly 

 flex. 



To get the action, proceed as follows. Turn the horse 

 around in the stall so that he can neither back nor get 

 away sideways. Put the riding bridle on him, so that 

 you will have control of both bits. Stand on the left 

 side of the horse, just in front of the shoulder, and with 

 your left hand seize the right reins about four inches 

 back of the bits. With the crop or riding-whip in the 

 right hand, tap the horse's left leg at the knee or above, 

 just as you pull his head slightly to his right. 



The pull on the head throws the weight on the right 

 foot and the tap on the left causes him to strike out 

 with a pawing motion. This is the first act leading to 

 the high park walk. Repeat with the same leg until he 

 will strike forward with it at a very slight tap and pull 

 on the rein. 



A gentle stroke on the neck with the palm of the hand 

 should reward him whenever he responds with good and 

 immediate action. Tap him severely if he refuses to 



