Manual of Equitation and Horse Trainincj 99 



1. To retard the left shoulder, resist with the left rein, 

 either by a light direct effect of opposition or by a bearing 

 effect of opposition calculated according to the resistance 

 met. 



2. In joining to one of these actions of the rein, that 

 of the left leg, one obtains a more or less- marked devia- 

 tion of the left haunch towards the right. This places it in 

 the rear of the right haunch, in the position of the gallop 

 right. 



3. To obtain the gallop depart by advancing the right 

 haunch act with the right leg at the girths; this will engage 

 the right hind leg under the mass (superior equitation). 



These several actions may be combined to obtain a 

 more prompt and exact effect. The position once obtained, 

 it is only necessary to give the impulsion corresponding 

 to the speed of the gallop by an equal pressure of the legs. 



Taking the right lead by the resistance of the left rein 

 is a simple, irresistible method; it is the one which should 

 be emploj^ed in the first periods of training, and, as a gen- 

 eral rule, every time that there is difficulty in starting with 

 the proper lead. 



Taking the right lead by the predominating action of 

 the left leg has the disadvantage of traversing the horse, 

 and if the horse takes the gallop under a too energetic 

 action of the inside leg he may depart false. 



The right lead, taken by the predominating action of 

 the right leg at the girths, is certainly the most correct, 

 since the horse takes the gait without traversing; but this 

 action of the leg is rather an effect of education than a 

 natural effect. This silent, sweeping manner of taking the 

 gallop can therefore be only employed at the end of training 

 by experienced riders having precision and tact, and with 

 calm, obedient, and quite sensitive horses. 



A distinction must be made between conditioning at 

 the gallop, in breaking, and the gymnastics of the gallop de- 

 parts, in training. Contrary to what was prescribed in 

 breaking, it is here necessary to multiplj'^ these departs on 

 each foot to thoroughly accustom the horse to them. The 

 instructor must appreciate what he can and should require. 

 The only fixed rule is never to demand anything from the 

 horse until he has become calm and never to let a badly 

 executed movement pass uncorrected. 



