130 CAVALRY HORSEMANSHIP 



and if necessary, bring back the horse to the right 

 direction. 



But, to obtain the result which the right use of the 

 aids should give, it is necessary to maintain the vigour 

 of the impulsion. True, free, easy paces, depend 

 entirely on the activity of the quarters and the straight 

 position of the horse. 



To change the pace, and in any given pace to change 

 the speed. — The execution of the changes of pace rests 

 on two princijDleSo 



1. When the legs close in to press the horse for- 



wards, the hand should not opjDose the move- 

 ment ; 



2. When the hand acts to moderate or to annul the 



impulsion, the legs should be passive : 

 consequently, to start the walk from a stationary 

 position, to extend the walk, to change from the walk 

 to the trot, to lengthen the trot, the rider should apply 

 the legs with more or less force, according to the result 

 he washes to obtain and the sensibilitj' of the horse, 

 w^hilst at the same time he lowers the hands and slackens 

 the grip of the fingers, if necessary, to allow of the 

 movement. 



The hands, nevertheless, ought to be ready to 

 resist, and even to act, if necessary, in order to regulate 

 the pace, w^hen the effect produced by the legs is 

 greater than was intended. 



To lengthen the stride, the rider, without ever 

 losing contact Avith the mouth, gives the greatest 

 liberty to the horse, so as to allow the extension of the 

 neck. In this position the horse is most firm on his 

 legs, has a better view of the ground, and finds himself 

 in the most favourable position for moving his legs 

 without fatigue. 



