THE GALLOP. 29 



union and balance will be under the rider. The mass 

 will then be so poised that a slight play of the direct rein 

 the right rein, if the horse be to lead with his right 

 side will raise the fore-hand, and induce the desired lead, 

 while the opposite spur will bend the croup, so that the 

 hind-quarters may take the proper stride, and stimulate the 

 action. The bit must measure the rate of speed, and the 

 spurs must keep up the vigour of action, while, between 

 the two aids, the united form must be maintained. 



TO CHANGE THE LEAD IN THE GALLOP AT WILL. 



If a change of lead in the gallop be desired, the rider 

 will seize the moment when the forehand of the horse is 

 rising, and a hind-leg has taken the weight of the mass 

 (Plate III.), to lean back in the saddle, and make a slight 

 play with the direct rein ; then as the horse is about to 

 take his weight upon a fore-foot with which to leave the 

 ground, the opposite spur should be applied to bend the 

 croup for the new lead. The results of these applications 

 of the aids and these changes of balance will be to give 

 the horse a new lead in one finished stride. For the 

 action of the body will assist the horse to the momentary 

 pause that enables him to feel and obey the bit, the play 

 of the direct rein will induce the change of fore-leg while 



