Chapter IL--SEGONDARY EQUITATION 



THE MANAGEMENT OF THE HORSE. 



The principles and methods of management necessary 

 for the trooper in ranks are set forth in the Drill Regula- 

 tions and constitute the elementary equitation. What fol- 

 lows is addressed entirely to the officers and noncommis- 

 sioned officers (cadre) and constitutes secondary equita- 

 tion. 



The object of the study of themanagement of the horse 

 is to teach the rider the the use of the means at hand to 

 control the horse at all gaits, in all directions, and over all 

 country. 



To manage the horse is: To put him in movement; to 

 regulate that movement; to direct that movement. 



For which it is necessary: To know the forces that 

 nature, art, and science have put at the disposition of the 

 rider (to study the aids) ; to harmonize these forces (mas- 

 tership of the aids) ; to place the forces (use of the aids). 



Par. 1 

 STUDY OF THE AIDS. 



Knowledge of the aids, broadly speaking, requires in- 

 quiry into the physical aptitudes and moral qualities of the 

 man, the study of the properly called natural aids, and 

 knowledge of the artificial aids. 



Aptitudes.— The rider's weight and size, his firmness 

 or insecurity, his strength or lack of it, his energy or quiet- 

 ness, his intelligence, spirit, and patience — or, on the other 

 hand, his apprehension, fear, or brutalness— are factors 

 which have great influence on results in equitation, what- 

 ever may be the worth of the instructors or of the methods. 

 One should consider these things carefully in assigning 

 riders to horses, especially to young horses, 



Natural aids. — The natural aids are the legs, reins, 

 and weight. The legs and reins serve to put the rider in 

 agreement with his mount; they permit him to judge of 

 the character and temperment of the horse, to transmit to 

 him and impose upon him the will of man. 



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