58 ANGLO-FRENCH HORSEMANSHIP 



be a forward impulse even when reining back, and a 

 horse should always be sent forward again for a step 

 or two after being reined back. This is one of the best 

 exercises to make a horse light in hand. 



When once a horse learns that by moving backwards 

 and getting behind the rider's legs he can render the 

 latter powerless, he is master of the situation, and 

 consequently when training a horse to rein back the legs 

 must still keep up the impulsion, so that he may feel 

 that he is obeying the indications of the hand, and that 

 although moving backwards his inclination still is to 

 go forward. A horse should never be allowed to move 

 backwards of his ow^n accord, or go back faster than 

 his rider wishes, each step should be made at the 

 demand of the reins, and the hands should be eased 

 after each step. 



Major Malcolm Borwick, of the Netheravon Cavalry 

 School, has pointed out to me, that it is better that the 

 first lesson in the rein back should be given dismounted, 

 so that the horse may get used to an unnatural move- 

 ment unencumbered by weight. 



When the horse commences to rein back easily, a 

 good exercise to make him light in hand is to bring 

 back the shoulders only, i.e. to yield the hand and 

 press the horse forward the moment he commences to 

 rein back. 



The horse should next be taught to maintain a 

 proper balance when turning, and the rider commences 

 by quietly collecting him on to his hocks, and then 

 turning him slowdy round half a circle, first on his near 

 hind and then on his off hind leg. Horses that bear on 

 the hand should be given frequent practice in this 

 movement. When pivoting on the near hind leg the 

 rider holds the quarters with the right leg, while he 



