86 ANGLO-FRENCH HORSEMANSHIP 



and the thighs pressed in until he stands perfectly still, 

 when he should be again asked to raise the leg, and be 

 pressed forward the moment it is fully extended ; 

 forward impulsion is essential, and after the number 

 of steps desired has been obtained the rein should be 

 slackened, and the horse pressed forward at a brisk 

 trot. If the horse throws his quarters, say, to the 

 left, he should be kept straight by increased action on 

 the right rein. 



The movement on two lines in a zigzag course is an 

 excellent exercise as a preparation for the Spanish walk, 

 providing the rider presses in the outside leg inter- 

 mittently as the fore leg of that side comes to the 

 ground, and also uses the diagonal rein intermittently. 

 When moving sideways from one side of the school or 

 Toad to the other, the pressure of the rein against the 

 neck first turns and places the horse, and then, and not 

 before, the leg presses him on. 



At first it may be necessary to apply the aids with a 

 certain amount of vigour unaccompanied by any 

 contraction of the muscles, but when riding a trained 

 horse there should not be any movement of the hands ; 

 the wrists should be pressed against the body and the 

 fingers should do all that is necessary : both legs should 

 be kept in one place close to the horse's sides, against 

 the girths or close behind them, pressing in one side or 

 the other according to the leg it is desired to raise. 

 In High School riding the legs and the sides of the 

 spurs should always act by stroking, pressing, or by 

 vibrations, never by blows. In the same way the 

 hands should press the reins, not pull at them. 



When the Spanish walk has been thoroughly learnt, 

 the horse on being moderately collected in the ordinary 

 walk will extend without elevating his fore legs, and 



