116 CAVALRY HORSEMANSHIP 



lateral bipeds move parallel to one another ; in the 

 gallo]), on the contrary, the horse places one of his 

 quarters slightly to one side. This remark is necessary, 

 and it suffices to explain to the rider that at the walk 

 and trot, the horse should remain absolutely straight, 

 whilst at the gallop, he yields slightly one of his quarters. 

 Every time that the rider wishes to start the canter 

 or gallop with a young horse, he should first give liim 

 this natural position. On the other hand, whenever 

 he wishes to change from the gallop to the trot or walk, 

 he has merely to replace the horse in the straight 

 position. 



Another obligation imposed on the rider, consists 

 in developing paces which enables the horse to go 

 long distances without fatigue, and, in order that 

 the horse may employ as little energy as possible, it 

 is essential that the impulsion acts in the direction 

 of the movement. 



The horse moves with high or low action, according 

 to the way in which he is ridden ; he can also move 

 high in front and low behind. 



"The horse will move with high action when, suppled 

 and trained by exercise and properly ridden, he can 

 be collected when moving. Then the muscles of the 

 neck, being bent and high, will raise the forelegs by 

 their contraction, whilst the hind legs being well under 

 the body also flex themselves " (General de Benoist). 



Thus placed the horse cannot develop any great 

 speed, because his action loses in extension what it 

 gains in height, and moreover, his joints are constantly 

 being flexed, but this position is very favourable to 

 instantaneous changes in the balance, and conse- 

 quently in direction and pace. This collected position 

 has. therefore, a frequent use in secondary equitation, 



