THE OBJECT OF BREAKING 65 



It is evidently in the open, and in working on 

 straight lines, that the young horse acquires most 

 rajiidly the fullness of his power. Nev^ertheless, the 

 early exercise is given in the school, so that the in- 

 structor can give a more personal supervision and be 

 able to study more carefully the horses and the men, 

 and to avoid accidents which are always possible. 

 Some old well-broken horses introduced amongst the 

 young ones, will have a good influence. The work is 

 also carried on in the school during cold weather, and 

 the opportunity will be taken for giving the first lesson 

 in the aids. 



Early education in the aids. — This early education 

 is indispensable before a horse can be ridden out of 

 doors. It consists in teaching him to go forward to 

 the pressure of the legs, to reduce his pace and stop 

 when the reins are felt, and to turn when simple 

 indications are given. 



The horses are bitted with a double snaffle or with a 

 bridoon only. The quality, upkeep, and placing of the 

 bits is an object of special and constant attention. 



The walk. — The basis of all training is a free, 

 vigorous, forward movement, and it is necessary from 

 the very first to train the horse to yield to the pressure 

 of the legs. This is the first lesson to give, and it 

 should be constantly repeated. It demands at first 

 the following precautions : — 



1. Never allow the legs to remain fixed against the 

 sides, but apply them by frequent intermittent touches. 



2. Close in the legs near the girths, and do not 

 animate the horse by applying them too far back on 

 the flanks. 



3. Commence by giving this lesson when changing 

 from the walk to the trot, afterwards when extending 



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