20 Manual of Equitation and Horse Training 



only mediocre results; by others, however, they very quickly 

 improve even the least gifted riders. 



Considered together, the suppling exercises have a 

 triple end, as they serve to obtain: 1, General supple- 

 ness; 2, suppression of involuntary movement; 3, regular- 

 ity of position. 



The instructor chooses and groups for these three ob- 

 jects the exercises which to him appear most suitable. 



In the first two cases the exercises commanded are ad- 

 dressed to the whole section, since the instructor seeks a 

 general result. In the last case, however, the proper ex- 

 ercises should be selected for the individual rider, since it 

 is a question of overcoming an individual defect. It must 

 be remarked also that some of the exercises oppose each 

 other, and when they are used the object sought must be 

 exactly known. Thus, the elevation of the thighs, par- 

 ticularly favorable in placing the seat, evidently destroys 

 the benefits from the rotation of the thighs, destined to 

 bring the flat surface to bear and to lower the leg. 



At the end of several weeks of well-conducted instruc- 

 tion confidence is established; the contractions diminish. 

 The riders commence to find and keep a seat in the sad- 

 dle, their joints are freer; in consequence their move- 

 ments are most controlled. The position is established. 

 It is now time to take up the management of the horse and 

 set forth its principles. 



