Manual of Equitation and Horse Training 73 



movements enumerated in the progressions are a mere 

 nomenclature of the figures. 



In training, the value of the figures lies only in the 

 manner in which they are executed. It is the position im- 

 posed on the horse by the rider's aids which counts. One 

 rider may trace all the figures in the regulations, on horse- 

 back, in the best established sequence, without obtaining 

 the least result. Another, working on these same figures 

 but with a clearly defined object, and using his aids in the 

 service of this object, will train his horse very quickly. 



Principal factors in training ; the instructor.— The worth 

 of the instructor and of the rider play an Important part 

 in the training. The instructor should possess great 

 knowledge of the horse, the theoretical and practical 

 science of equitation, and be methodical; finally, if his 

 advice is not suflicient he should be able to successfully 

 take the case into his own hands. 



The rider.— But the personal value of the rider is the 

 principal factor in horse training. Whatever may be the 

 method, the quality of the horse, the worth of the instruc- 

 tor, if the rider does not know his part, the horse will 

 never be obedient, or at least only imperfectly so. 



Therefore the first requisite for successful training is 

 good riding. 



The work.— Any method of training which is not based 

 on bringing the horse into condition is not a military 

 method. In training, as in breaking, exterior work forms 

 an essential part. The instructor must maintain the 

 proper proportion between exterior and riding-hall work, 

 so as to further both the suppling of the horse and his 

 conditioning. Under normal conditions the work in the 

 riding hall should not exceed a third of the whole; in any 

 case the sessions in the riding hall should not last longer 

 than three-fourths of an hour, during which frequent rests 

 will be commanded. 



Time.— One should not forget that, whatever may be 

 the rider's skill, the physical and mental development of a 

 colt is subject to the essentially variable laws of nature. 

 No requirement can hasten the natural evolution and sub- 

 stitute itself for the work of time. 



Patience and gradual increase of effort carry consider- 

 able weight in training; to go slowly is to arrive quickly. 



