THE-:- HORSE 



tion will be to give to that side, in order to 

 bring into balance the weight of the rider. 



Starting. — From a standing position, to 

 start a horse forward lean slightly forward in 

 the saddle, loosen the reins and bring the heels 

 in under the horse's flanks, letting him feel 

 the spur if necessary. 



Stopping. — To stop a horse progressing at 

 an easy pace, give a gentle pressure on his 

 mouth, leaning a little back in the saddle, and 

 increasing the pressure so that the desired re- 

 sult is obtained. If the horse is difficult to 

 stop, instead of a steady pressure, catch him 

 in short jerks, so that pressure on his mouth 

 is brought when he is off balance, and in this 

 way he is more apt to decrease his pace in 

 order to regain his balance. 



Sliding. — Sliding is a big asset in horses 

 that are required to stop and turn at excessive 

 speed, such as cow horses and polo ponies. 

 All well-broken cow horsey slide. This is the 

 quickest way of coming to a standstill from 

 a fast gallop. The hind legs are the chief fac- 

 tors used in sliding. When done properly, the 

 horse's position in sliding is one where the 

 forelegs are extended forward and are used 

 chiefly for balance, while the hind legs are 

 brought well up under the body, supporting 

 practically all his weight. A good sliding 

 horse, when stopped suddenly from a fast gal- 

 lop on a slippery or fairly hard piece of ground, 



29 



