Manual of Equitation and Horse Training 85 



the haunches drawn under the mass in slowing, the vigor 

 of the hocks and loin in the extension. This is obtained 

 by alternate extensions and collections brought nearer and 

 nearer together. 



These results acquired, one should demand the most 

 marked extensions and collections — the immediate halts 

 from fast gaits. 



In the work which consists in balancing the horse be- 

 tween the hands and legs, it is essential that these two aids 

 never act simultaneously. The horse, in slowing should 

 let the gait die out while moving close to the ground ; at 

 the call of the legs, he should push himself vigorously for- 

 ward. If his motions are high, it is because the hand has 

 not yielded in time to let the impulsion pass. 



If the horse moves sidewise in slowing, he is straight- 

 ened by opposing the shoulder to the haunch. These sup- 

 plings are interspersed with periods at a free gait. With 

 lazy horses one should especially insist on immediate 

 obedience in the extensions; with hot horses, in the collec- 

 tions. 



When once this work is well executed on the straight 

 line, it is repeated on the circle which will permit a greater 

 engagement of the interior haunch. The diameter of the 

 circle is reduced according to the progress of the horses ; 

 but the horse must not be allowed to modify this diameter 

 himself at the same time as the gait; that is, to make it 

 smaller in slowing and larger in extending. 



In the riding hall one will practice only the increase 

 and decrease of the riding-hall gallop; outside, on straight 

 courses, the speed will be changed in every form of gallop, 

 from the most collected canter to the run and inversely. 

 That is proof of all preceding work. 



If the horse bores, or fights the hand, he must be re- 

 turned to the riding hall for the work in slowing the walk 

 and canter; the object is thus accomplished more surely 

 and with less risk to his legs than if one were to insist on 

 submission in the work at fast gaits. 



The halt, the half halt. — Considered from the point of 

 view of training the object of the halt is not to stop the 

 horse in some position or other, but above all to teach him 

 to balance himself by the engagement of the haunches. 



The halt is produced by the action of the fingers in 

 closing on the adjusted reins. If the hocks remain out in 



