82 Manual of Equitation and Horse Training 



the movements, whether collected or extended, as the 

 rider may desire. 



In seeking the position to give the neck, the rider 

 should always take into consideration the manner in which 

 it is naturally joined on. Some riders make the mistake 

 of demanding great elevation of neck from horses which 

 naturally carry low heads. In acting thus the hand stops 

 the impulsive forces. In requiring a position contrary to 

 the horse's construction the hocks and loin are cramped 

 and he loses freedom in his gaits. 



The gather. — The gather is only the placing of the head 

 a little in advance of the vertical, the position which has 

 just been indicated as most favoring the management of 

 the horse; one should seek to obtain it from the moment 

 the horses are put in double bridles. 



In secondary equitation, it is principally by work on 

 straight lines, by the extension and collection of the gaits, 

 that the horse is taught to take this position. The legs 

 play a prominent part here; they should always precede 

 the action of the hands, for the head only comes in, the 

 neck only bends by the effect of the forward movement. 

 Once moving forward the horse meets the hand; the lat- 

 ter, held steady and low, offers the mouth a gentle support 

 which, in restraining the extension of the neck, fixes the 

 head and forces it to bend and as soon as the horse obeys, 

 the legs and fingers relax and only again take up their 

 action when the head itself takes up a defective position. 

 The alternate active and passive effects of the hand, pro- 

 vided they do not hinder the impulsion, will soon give the 

 neck the flexibility it should have. 



Suppling the colt. — Gymnastic work tends to develop 

 the colt's strength and suppleness. It also serves to con- 

 quer resistances which he may show. 



It is executed at the three gaits; at the walk because 

 the rider, being steadier, is more master of himself and 

 makes the horse, who is more attentive, better under- 

 stand the movements demanded; at the trot, because from 

 the conformation of the horse it is at this gait that the 

 joints play most easily in lateral movements; at the gallop, 

 because this is the combat gait, and the end to obtain. 



Resistances. — The fatigue resulting from the work of 

 training and the constraint to which young horses are 

 submitted during their education, may, on their part, give 



