XVI. 



Easing the Hand on the Curb Bit. We have previously dis- 

 cussed the easing of the hand on the snaffle bit. The sup- 

 pling exercise is the same when made on the curb bit but in 

 this case it should be followed by raising the head again. 



The horse having yielded the jaw, loosen the fingers and 

 continue the action of the legs in order to push the horse 

 gently in pursuit of his bit. From the very beginning of 

 training, he has grown accustomed to lean lightly on the bit 

 and he therefore extends his neck and lowers his head to re" 

 cover this customary support. 



The extension of the neck will be sufficient and will be 

 well executed whenever the horse, without increasing or de- 

 creasing the gait, extends his nose downward and forward 

 to the level of the knees and keeps his jaw flexible. 



The raising of the head is effected by carrying the hands 

 forward and pulling upward on the reins, the legs still pre- 

 venting any slowing up. 



These suppling exercises should be repeated at a walk, 

 trot and gallop and on the three lines. 



Easing the hand is an exercise suitable for horses too 

 high in front, with a high neck, that is either upside down 

 or ewe-necked, and for those with weak hind quarters, pre- 

 disposed to injuries. It should be used very sparingly with 

 horses that are high behind, especially if the withers are 

 low and sunken, the shoulders straight, the neck thin and 

 the head large. 



I/I/hat should be Understood by Give and Take. Action of the 

 Fingers on the Reins. As the horse should always be in 

 close touch with the hand of the rider, the expression giv^^ 

 (tnd f(fkf has a (certain significance which should be clearly 

 stated . 



T(fk(' does not consist in drawing the hand back and 



