66 NOTES ON EQUITATION 



quarters and bringing them tinder; it is an excellent prelim- 

 inary to the gallop lead. 



Halts, Half -Halts and Backing. When the horse moves 

 freely and begins to be balanced and regular in both gaits, 

 the walk and trot, we must take up the elements of the as- 

 semble, which is the gather perfected by bringing the hind 

 legs under. 



We begin by numerous halts, the action of the legs 

 always preceding the action of the hand, and by this means 

 alone the hind legs are gradually brought towards the cen- 

 ter. If at the moment of halting the horse is contracted 

 and endeavors to bore on the hand, the rider must keep up 

 his action and exact a step or two backward in order to 

 overcome all resistance. He must then promptly move the 

 horse to the front again to avoid sitting down on the 

 haunches. 



Half-halts are made according to the same principles 

 l)ut the opposition of the hand is less marked than in halts. 

 If the horse proves to be obedient, loosen the fingers and 

 <^xtend him; if, on the contrary, he resists the half-halt, 

 keep up the action of the aids to the halt or even to back- 

 ing. 



