40 NOTES ON EQUITATION 



return to it by a half turn to the left* exacted by a very pro- 

 nounced action of the left leg and left rein. This strongly 

 marked lateral effect carries the horse's haunches to the 

 right; that is to say, the horse while still gaining ground 

 yields to the effect of the left leg (and left rein) and thus 

 describes a half turn. The same movement is executed 

 while marching on the left hand and the horse eventually 

 swings the haunches easily about the forehand, without 

 halting, without striking the fetlocks and without dancing. 

 (Without either increase or decrease of cadence. — The 

 Board.) 



We have specified half turns reversed, but abouts, full 

 turns, and later, serpentines can also be used. 



About on the Forehand. The second lesson may also be 

 given by means of the abouts on the forehand; but it would 

 be wise not to insist upon this movement and to use it only 

 when absolutely necessary. 



The great drawback to abouts on the forehand is the 

 frequent halting of a young horse and the holding him in 



* The commands for this exercise are: 1. Right oblique,, 



2. MARCH, and 1. On forehand, 2. Half turn in reverse, 



3. MARCH. 



"Half turn in reverse" could, in this case, be expressed 

 "Left half turn" but "in reverse" (renvers^) has par- 

 ticular significance and the terms should be retained on 

 that account. 



It must be remembered that at this stage of his instruction 

 the colt has learned little and would be unable to execute 

 a left half turn in the open. In the hall, however, he un- 

 derstands the opening of the right rein that guides him oft 

 the track, to which he has grown accustomed, into the 

 the right oblique, and he understands the opening of the 

 rcvrr.se rein to guide him back. The prompt and force- 

 ful use of the left leg then swings his haunches about and 

 instead of being confused he moves out willingly in the 

 opposite direction because he is again on his familiar track 

 next to the wall. ( 71ie Board) 



Obliquing to the right, if the command be simply on 

 forehand "Half turn.," "MARCH," the movement is con- 

 tiiHied to the right in the turn. 



