64 Manual of Equitation and Horse Training 



The horse being well confirmed in the movement for- 

 ward, since the action of one leg, while assisting the for- 

 ward motion, also pushes the haunches to the opposite 

 side and the hand tends to have the same result, advantage 

 is taken to confirm the action of the leg. The colt is thus 

 taught the action which results from the opening of a rein 

 and the closing of the leg and he is accustomed to carrying^ 

 his haunches to the side opposite from the acting leg. 



When the horse easily obeys the action of the opening 

 rein, at the walk and trot, he is taught the action of the 

 bearing rein; that is, taught to turn to the right under the 

 action of the left rein, which will be a useful suppling for 

 him later on when he is guided by only one hand. To ob- 

 tain this result, it is sufficient to take advantage of the cor- 

 ners of the hall, turns by the flank, demi-voltes, or other 

 circular movements with the opening effect of the rein; as 

 soon as the horse commences to obey, the action of the 

 bearing rein is substituted by carrying the left hand for- 

 ward and to the right. The opening rein serves as a sort 

 of interpreter for the bearing rein. As soon as the latter 

 comes into play, the action of the opening rein must be 

 ceased and the right hand lowered to allow the bearing 

 rein to produce its full effect. After several times alter- 

 nating the two effects, closer and closer together, the use 

 of the opening rein is diminished, and then suppressed, as 

 the horse understands better what is asked of him. 



Backing. — Backing is a movement of secondary impor- 

 tance in breaking. It should only be executed with the 

 rider dismounted, and limited to a few steps. 



The first lessons are devoted to teaching the colt these 

 few motions of the aids before taking him outside. All 

 movements possible are derived from these four elemen- 

 tary actions and it is necessary that he be taught them 

 immediately and separately before associating them in a 

 manner which would produce combined effects. 



These actions are: To move forward at the pressure of 

 the legs; to slow or stop at the tension of the reins; to 

 range the shoulders, and range the haunches. 



These elements being well understood by the colt, the 

 ordinary exercises of equitation judiciously applied accord- 

 ing to his means, the maturity of his development, and his 

 physical condition will accomplish his education. 



This will be the r61e of training, properly called. 



