58 CAVALRY HORSEMANSHIP 



the end of the breuking and allows of an almost com- 

 plete rest. 



The time when the coat changes, and that Avhen 

 the horses are tm-ned out to grass, complete the series 

 of phases, which in the same way will again be found 

 in the second year. 



The importance of work. — Work is the most 

 important factor in breaking. Besides the part it 

 plays in the development of the organs of the young 

 horse, it is the regulator destined to keep his health 

 and character in proper poise. 



If the young horse does not get sufficient work he 

 becomes too fat, and at the same time too lively ; he 

 damages himself under his own weight, increased by 

 that of the rider, and he ruins his mouth by fighting 

 against the hand that tries to bring him to order. 

 Nevertheless, like all army horses, it is necessary that 

 the young horse should be in somew^hat high condition. 



The w^ork he is given to do out of doors, should 

 be long and slow, one hour and a half at least ; of 

 short duration in the school, say half an hour. 



The employment of felt boots or bandages is recom- 

 mended to preserve the legs, and especially while the 

 horse is being lunged. 



Dismounted work. Walking out on the rein. — 

 Leading the young horse by the side of old stagers is, 

 during the first days, an excellent exercise, which 

 alloAvs of the horse getting rid of his superfluous energy 

 without danger to his legs, of his getting used to strange 

 objects, and of his finding the calm which is indis- 

 pensable in useful work. The many circumstances in 

 which the cavalry horse has to be led in hand makes 

 this exercise very profitable, but it is not necessar}^ to 

 continue it for any length of time. 



