EAELY EDUCATIOK OF THE HOESE. 83 



mass advancing. These applications of the aids must be 

 made "\nth celerity and precision, but Tvithout yiolence. 



To Back. — In backing the horse, the offices of the 

 forehand and croup are interchanged ; for now the im- 

 pulsion comes from the forehand, and the heels restrain 

 and direct the forces of the croup upon the course. 



Standing at the head of the horse, the trainer will 

 bring him into equilibrium, taking care that the shoul- 

 ders and croup are in a line. Then, with a tap of the 

 whip upon the croup, he will induce the beginning of a 

 forward movement from that part by the raising of one 

 of the hind-legs, but before the mass acquires the for- 

 ward motion the horse will be made to carry the raised 

 hind-leg one step in rear, bv a pressure upon the bit. He 

 will then be collected, and made to take one other step 

 backwards in the same manner. The next day he may be 

 made to take two consecutive steps ; and he will be 

 taught carefully and without haste, until he will move 

 back several steps and still retain his lightness. 



The rider will then mount the horse, and, having 

 brought him into equilibrium, will, by a pressure of the 

 legs, induce the raising of one of the hind-legs, which 

 will be carried back one step by a pressure of the bit. 

 The whole art of teaching the horse to back lies in these 

 instructions ; but the rider must proceed cautiously, so 

 that the horse will acquire the movement in an easy and 

 light manner. Let him be satisfied with a few steps well 

 done each day, until the horse acquires perfection in the 

 movement. The legs will always be carried close to the 

 sides of the horse to keep him straight, and to prevent 

 the forces from yielding too much ; the hand must infln- 



