VIII. 



Outdoor Work. Conditioning is not ;i diaptcr apart in the 

 education of the young horse; conditioning' and trainin;: run 

 together and the horse acquires at the same lime iiahits ot 

 work and of obedience. It would he a mistake to tliink that 

 the conditioning of a horse requires tlie jockey seat on a 

 sanded track. Riding hall work and out(lo(>r exercise are 

 generally sufficient. 



When to Begin. Outside work should be begun as early as 

 possible. It is an advantage to take the horses out as soon 

 as they know how to go straight ahead and to turn to tlie 

 right and left. Outdoor rides, intelligently conducted, "put 

 horses into the bridle"* and improve the carriage. 



Moreover, this is a good way to quiet the animals as 

 troopers are less exacting on the road than on the riding 

 hall track. 



Combination of Riding Hall and Outside Work. This outside 

 work must be combined with the lessons in the hall. There 

 is no necessity of feeling compelled to follow blindly a set 

 schedule such as to work on the road for six weeks and 

 then stay inside for several months. On the contrary it is 

 of distinct advantage to alternate the two and to have at 

 least least two outdoor rides each week. However, the 

 officer in charge of training must base his decision as to 

 schedule upon the deportment, conformation and general 

 (condition of his horses. Horses in poor condition, those 

 that fret and that throw too much weight up(m tlie hind 



* To put a young horse into his bridle is to make him take 

 hold of his bit and bear on it properly whenever he moves 

 forward under the impulse of both legs. He thus, as pre- 

 viously stated, produces a proper tension on the reins. 



If a horse fails to bear on the bit and to tighten the reins 

 when the legs urge him forward he is said to be "/;</////</ 

 the hit.'' (Thr Board) 



(35) 



