66 ANGLO-FRENCH HORSEMANSHIP 



sideways on two lines, the outside leg should be closed 

 in behind the girths, and the inside leg against them ; 

 the inside thigh being drawn slightly across the saddle.* 

 The hands should be well separated, and the reins can 

 be long and rather slack, whilst the hands are firm 

 so that the horse feels the bit every time he puts his 

 leading fore foot to the ground. 



Reversing the position of the seat and legs, when the 

 leading fore leg comes to the ground will cause the 

 horse to change on to the other leg. 



To teach the highly collected canter, say, on the 

 right leg, the rider's left leg drives the horse against the 

 bridoon, the reins being held low, while the right curb 

 rein held high in the right hand, so that it is at right 

 angles to the cheek, raises the horse's neck by vibrations, 

 regulates the action of the rider's left leg and so keeps 

 the horse straight. A horse can be taught to canter 

 slowly, with the reins loose on his neck, by taking a 

 short hold of the curb reins, raising the hand and closing 

 the fingers strongly on the reins, and, if necessary, 

 pressing in the legs whenever he quickens his pace ; 

 the reins can be gradually lengthened till they lie on 

 the neck. If he throws his head about, or tries to 

 force the hand, the leg presses him strongly against the 

 left bridoon rein. 



When the horse is trained, it will only be necessary 

 to open the thighs and legs and draw the horse straight 

 back through them on to his hocks by closing the fingers 

 firmly on the reins, to collect him in the canter. 



We cannot expect to train a horse without meeting 



* This position gives such a firm steady seat and adapts the 

 rider's body so perfectly to the movement of the horse in the 

 canter and trot that beginners are helped by adopting it till they 

 get confidence. 



