212 CYCLOPEDIA OF LIVE STOCK AND COMPLETE STOCK DOCTOR. 



Vm. Flexions. 



That tlie colt may be able promptly to turn in any direction, what 

 are called flexions should be practiced. The more simple of these are, 

 raising the head high, putting it down close to the ground and then rais- 

 ing it, turnnig the head to the right or the left side, with the nose close 

 to the bod}^ but obliquely to it, etc. Full instruction in these flexions 

 need not be perfected until the animal is two or three years old ; and, in 

 fact, but little of this exercise is actually necessary, except with the-sad- 

 dle horse. For saddle horses, flexions are especially important, since the 

 object of them is to render the head, neck, body and li'Jibs supple and capa- 

 ble of varied action. A curb-bit is necessary to their proper performance, 

 and hence only preliminary and simple lessons should be given the colt, 

 for the curb should not be used until the animal is nearly ready for work. 



At the proper age, put on a bridle with a curb-bit, taking care that it 

 fits properly in every part. Between the chain and jaw, the finger should 

 sRp easily, and the bit should just touch the upper part of the lips, and 

 that only in the slightest manner. Stand in front of the horse, take the 

 off or riiiht rein with the right hand about six inches from the branch of 

 the bit, and the near or left rein with the left hand, at about half the dis- 

 tance from the branch. Draw the right hand to the body, and press with 

 the left, so as to turn the bit in the mouth. If the horse backs, follow 

 hmi up, pressing steadily until he lowers his head, and flexes his jaw. 

 Then slip the left hand along the rein until it is ojiposite the right hand 

 and press the head to the breast, holding it curbed perpendicularly but 

 obliquely to the right, until the horse A\ill maintain the position himself. 



Then flex the jaw to the left by a reverse action to that above given. 

 Teach the horse to raise his head high and perpendicularly, hy taking 

 each rein, six inches from the branch, and raising, and pressing slightly 

 back. Teach him to lower the head by a contrary action. Next teach 

 him to sway the head to the right and to the left, to raise and lower 

 the head alternatel3s by means that will readily suggest themselves. It 

 will surprise you to find how soon the average horse will understand. 



In all this, use no undue violence, and above all bear in mind that a 

 curb-l)it is a powerful lever, and must be carefully handled. When the 

 animal is perfect in these flexions, take the reins :n the left hand, near 

 the branches of the bit ; and standing close by and facing the shoulder, 

 holding the head fairly up, and to you, induce the animal to move his 

 hind feet, in a circle from you, the fore feet remaining stationar}^ as a 

 pivot. This lesson perfect, make him stand firm behind, and move his 

 fore parts from you in a circle. There are many other flexions taught 

 in t.he menage ; but the foregoing are suflScient for a saddle horse or light 



