GENERALITIES 55 



a dclinilc Iriiining with laws, principks, and hygiene, 

 which originate in the very nature of the horse. 



With regard to the training, the ^progression is 

 much the same as that employed in making the horse- 

 man. This methodical order proceeds from the simple 

 to the complex, graduates the actions of the rider 

 according to the degree of obedience the horse shows, 

 and progressively varies the combination of the aids. 

 It is necessary to be careful, at any rate at first, to 

 execute the movements under the same conditions and 

 in the same manner, until the horse is confirmed in 

 the knowledge of the rider's actions by the effect of 

 repetition. It is only little by little that an obedience, 

 at first uncertain and difficult, will be transformed 

 into a habit almost instinctive. 



The second military year being finished, the young 

 horse takes part in the work of the old horses in the 

 training of the unit, and thus learns perfect obedience. 

 It is a useful transition between the training proper 

 and the time when the horses enter definitely on 

 service. 



Circumstances which influence the duration of the 

 education of the young horse. — In the education of 

 the young horse certain circumstances have to be 

 considered, which wull influence his training. His 

 health, breed, age, feeding, previous work, character, 

 natural balance, and his being unused to the saddle, 

 are so many conditions which will hasten or delay the 

 progression of the work. Some aged horses sent direct 

 to the regiment by the remount depots can at once 

 commence the advanced training, others, on the con- 

 trary, and in particular brood mares put back to work, 

 should be kept at the early breaking work until their 

 strength is sulliciently developed. 



