72 CAVALRY HORSEMANSHIP 



routes, or at least sufficiently separated to insure their 

 independence, and freedom from disturbance. At the 

 head of each group, at any rate during the first few 

 days, an old horse is placed to serve as instructor. 



The value of the different paces. — The walk plays 

 an important part in conditioning, because it can be 

 maintained for a long time without fatigue ; it supples 

 all the joints when it acquires its full extension', 

 strengthens and hardens the tendons, and also pro- 

 duces calmness and strength. By gently following 

 with the hands the movement of the neck, which is 

 very pronounced in the extended walk, the rider at 

 the same time gives confidence to the horse, and 

 accustoms himself to maintain contact with the bit. 

 For all these reasons this pace plays a very large part 

 in the breaking. 



The trot is useful at the outset, firstly to settle the 

 horse down, then to get impulsion and bring him to 

 accept the support of the hand, which is indispensable 

 in maintaining movement on a straight line. Thus 

 held between the legs Avhich push, and the hand which 

 supports, the horse gets into the habit of stretching 

 and fixing his neck in the direction of movement, 

 which assists his future training. 



From a physical point of view, the trot quickens 

 the circulation, whilst at the same time it develops 

 the muscular system. Tor the young horses, as in the 

 case of the young horseman, the periods of trotting are 

 at first frequent and short. The duration of the trot 

 is increased when through work the horse commences 

 to get into condition. 



The canter is the very best exercise for the young 

 horse, it places him at the same time on his hind legs 

 and on the hand, and develops the lungs to the greatest 



