The Manege. 41 



X. 



The manege need not mean all the little refine- 

 ments of training which, however delightful to 

 the initiated, are unnecessary to comfort or safety. 

 But no horse can be called a good saddle beast 

 w^hose forehand and croup will not yield at once 

 to the lightest pressure of rein or leg. Most 

 horses will swing their forehands with some read- 

 iness, if not in a well-balanced manner. But not 

 many are taught to swing the croup at all ; very 

 few can do so handily. The perfect saddle horse 

 should be able to swing his croup about in a com- 

 plete circle, of which one fore-foot is the immova- 

 ble centre, or his forehand about the proper hind 

 foot, in either direction at will. He should come 

 " in hand," that is, gather his legs well under him, 

 so as to be on a perfect balance the moment you 

 take up the reins and close your legs upon him. 

 He should in the canter or gallop start with 

 either foot leading, or instantly change foot in 

 motion at the will of his rider. He should have 

 easy, handy gaits, the more the better, if he can 

 keep them distinct and true. These accomplish- 

 ments, added to a light mouth and a temper of 

 equal courage and moderation, or, in short, " man- 

 ners," make that rare creature, — the perfect sad- 

 dle horse. 



It is in this that the English err. In their pei^ 



