EMPLOYMENT OF THE TRAINED HOUSE 129 



the left quarter, the ri<^ht shoulder uiid the right 

 quarter, are in line with one another in the walk. 



In horsemanship it is also right to say that tlic 

 horse moves straight, although he is working in a 

 eirele, when the shoulders and the quarters move at the 

 same distance from the centre. 



When the horse is straight, the hind feet follow 

 exactly the lines traced by the fore feet ; the quarters 

 and the shoulders arc so placed as to insure the trueness 

 of their reciprocal action. The two quarters move 

 equally, the impulsion is equally distributed, and the 

 transfer of weight from one part to another is regular 

 and easy. The forces which emanate from the two 

 ends of the horse do not experience any contradiction 

 in their combined action, and work for a common end, 

 i.e. movement in a straight line for which the horse 

 linds himself perfectly placed. 



If, instead of moving straight, the horse moves 

 obliquely, harmony no longer exists between the forces 

 of the hindquarters and those of the forehand, there is 

 no longer true distribution of the weight, and the equal 

 facility of moving to either side ; moreover, the 

 quarters are bent round and oppose the shoulders, 

 and consequently resistance is experienced. There is 

 therefore good reason, before attempting anything 

 else, for placing and keeping the horse straight. The 

 action of the reins and of the legs, which has already 

 been studied, enables the rider to bring the horse back 

 into a straight position. In referring to instructions 

 already given, especially to those regarding the effects 

 of the rein of opposition, and by making use of the 

 assistance which the legs give the hands, the rider will 

 find all the necessary combinations to redress the 

 shoulders, force back the quarters, and maintain, 



K 



