52 Manual of Equitation and Horse Training 



school of the trooper, and especially they should be quiet 

 to mount, should move freely and true on a straight line, 

 be manageable at all gaits and in all changes of direction. 

 They should jump or pass obstacles of all nature, endure 

 the pressure of the rank, leave it freely, bear all parts of 

 the equipment, not be frightened at the sight or sound of 

 obstacles out of doors, and be broken to the use of the 

 arms. 



The very numerous means of training are left to the 

 initiative of each instructor, but they should all proceed 

 from two fundamental principles; the establishing of the 

 confidence of the horse and the methodical graduation of 

 requirements on the part of the rider, based on the associa- 

 tion of sensations. 



There are numberless means of establishing confidence, 

 of which the most useful are caresses, rest following the 

 least sign of obedience, easing of the reins and legs, pas- 

 sing to the walk after a fast gait, or even dismounting 

 after a result is obtained. 



One should never lose sight of the benefit to be had in 

 making the training progress methodically and without 

 haste. 



Nevertheless gentleness and patience must not exclude 

 firmness. Persistence in the use of the aids, energetic 

 action of the legs or spurs, and, in exceptional cases, the 

 riding whip, the driving whip and cavesson, are means 

 which may find employment with horses which have to be 

 dominated. 



The moment and amount with which these means 

 should be combined can not be laid down in positive rules; 

 the tact of the trainer is shown by their just application. 

 However, the ofiicer charged with the training exercises a 

 constant and strict supervision over the manner in which 

 the riders use the various means given them to secure the 

 submission of the horse. 



At the end the condition of the horses, the cleanness of 

 their limbs, and their good tempers are the best criterion 

 of the skillfulness with which the work has been directed. 



DIVISIONS. 

 breaking and training. 

 The education of the young horses lasts two years. 

 The absolute necessity of this rule has been shown by ex- 



