18 Manual of Equitation and Horse Training 



too with the legs, the raising and turning of the thighs, and 

 the bending of the knees should produce no counter blow 

 against the horse's mouth. 



(2) Tiie independence of hands and legs with respect 

 to each other. 



In order to obtain this liberty the instructor will com- 

 mand all suppling exercises tending to isolate and to render 

 independent the movements of a hand or a leg with respect 

 to each other. The most useful movements to obtain the 

 result sought are the rotation of one arm to the rear; fist 

 blows to the front and rear, tapping the horse on the right 

 buttock with the left hand, and vice versa, girthing and 

 loosening the girth, etc. The instructor watches always to 

 see that the movement of one of these parts of the body 

 does not lead to movement of the others. The results of 

 this work are proved by extending the gait, sitting to the 

 trot or trotting without stirrups. If this gymnastic work 

 has been well directed, the joints and members have 

 acquired an independence such that the reactions of the 

 horse, received by the spinal column, have no deranging 

 effect on the rider's hand, which remains light and steady. 



From the beginning the riders must be impressed with 

 the importance of these exercises. It is necessary to see, 

 besides, that they neither let the reins flop nor make too 

 much use of their strength. In a word, one should seek to 

 teach them to just feel the horse's mouth. This feeling, in 

 developing little by little, will serve to establish the prin- 

 ciple of the stretched reins and of the gentle contact of the 

 hand with the horse's mouth. It must be spoken of, and 

 sought from the beginning. 



Position of the rider. — This is defined in the Drill Regu- 

 lations. By reason of the positions given them, the superior 

 and inferior aids can act with a maximum of promptness, 

 aptness, intensity, and "finesse." 



Certain of the suppling exercises facilitate the play of 

 the joints, and permit the correction of physical defects and 

 the overcoming of the resulting contractions. 



A general suppleness being acquired, the instructor 

 seeks a new objective, to place the rider and then to fix his 

 position at all gaits, on all horses, and over all terrain. 



When the instructor commences to take up position he 

 should utilize the first time at the walk to place each rider 

 individually before starting the section to trot. As soon as 



