ANGLO-FRENCH HORSEMANSHIP 



shows pride and animation and yet perfect 

 obedience to his rider's wishes. 



The slow cadenced trot in which there is a 

 vigorous spring from each pair of diagonals, 

 called the "Passage" is a strengthening exer- 

 cise and a nice pace from which to start a horse 

 into a canter ; it is taught by shortening the 

 curb reins, hollowing the back, turning out the 

 toes, closing the knees and the lower part of 

 the legs lightly against the sides, and animating 

 the horse gently with each spur alternately as 

 the fore foot of the same side comes to the 

 ground, being careful to keep both legs close to 

 the sides the whole time, and not to alternately 

 throw each one out and close it, as so many 

 circus riders do ; the reins should be only 

 moderately stretched, so as not to take away 

 from the impulsion. The hands can assist the 

 horse by giving a light upward pull on the 

 opposite curb rein as each fore foot comes to 

 the ground, but many high school riders prefer 

 to keep their hands perfectly still. The curb 

 reins are used, as the action of the forelegs 

 should be high and round, not extended as in 

 the Spanish trot. If the horse gets sluggish, 

 he should be stimulated by light touches of 

 both spurs applied simultaneously without oppo- 

 sition from the hand. 



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