86 CAVALRY HORSEMANSHIP 



eftect, in completely mastering, under all circumstances, 

 his intellectual and physical power. But these methods, 

 which are based on the complete collection between 

 the bit and the spurs, do not form part of secondary 

 equitation. The demands of work in the ranks on 

 all sorts of grounds, appeal on the contrary to the 

 natural powers of the horse, to his instinct, often even 

 to his initiative. 



It is, nevertheless, indispensable, that in the 

 execution of such simple movements as the walk, 

 the halt, and the turn, the indications of the aids 

 should not only arouse in the horse a superficial 

 sensation, but that they should, as it were, penetrate 

 to the very bones, and bring about an immediate and 

 absolute obedience. 



The basis of the equestrian language. — In order 

 that the rider may transmit his wishes to the horse, 

 act on his intelligence, and become his master, it is 

 necessary to establish between them a sort of con- 

 ventional language, which the rider can easily learn 

 and make use of, and which the horse can easilj^ under- 

 stand and accept. 



This language rests on the law of associations of 

 sensations which is as follows : — 



" When impressions have been produced simultane- 

 ously, or have followed one another immediately, it is 

 sufficient that one be presented to the mind, for the others 

 tofolloxv'' (Dr. G. Le Bon). 



For example, if the horse goes forward to a click 

 of the tongue, it is because on some occasions he has 

 seen a long whip, has felt the whip, and heard at the 

 same time the click of the tongue. This last perception, 

 which reaches the ears, has but to manifest itself alone, 

 and the sensations of the sight and the touch of the whip 



