Manual of Eqititation and Horse Training 101 



Logical work demands sessions whose duration varies 

 between one and one-half hours at a minimum and three 

 hours at a maximum. All the prescriptions enumerated in 

 breaking concerning the general state of the horse, the 

 importance of proper feeding, development of muscles and 

 lungs, the care of the legs and feet, should be observed as 

 much more carefully as the work is more intense at 6 than 

 at 5 years. 



The object of the instructor is to bring all the young 

 horses into shape to execute easily, towards the month of 

 August, a march of 20 to 25 miles in four hours. 



The training at the gallop is likewise regulated so that 

 towards the same period the horses may withstand a ma- 

 neuver gallop of 3,000 to 4,000 yards over good ground. 



Scrupulous regularity of gaits is the base of condition- 

 ing. 



The instructor assures the success of this work by em- 

 ploying a reasonable scale of time at the trot and gallop, 

 combined with the walk and rest. 



This work should continue through the whole year, 

 each week bringing a slightly superior effort and therefore 

 development of the organs. The long ascent, however, 

 should be broken by resting places, where the horse may 

 take hold of himself, renew his strength, energy, and 

 gaiety, and prepare himself to respond to the new efforts 

 which will be imposed on him. It is even good, at times, 

 if not for all the horses, at least for the least courageous 

 and for those having weak legs, to diminish or even stop 

 the work, substituting for it mere walks in hand. 



A horse, in good working condition, presents a general 

 aspect of health, wide-awake eye, brilliant coat, supple 

 skin, muscles standing out; his flank is well let down, and 

 his easy, calm gaits show strength. 



Jumping. — The horse being moujited. Skill on varied 

 ground and boldness over obstacles should likewise be the 

 objects of a regular exercise. 



Work on the longe, in the riding hall or out of doors, 

 is of too great aid in training for obstacles to be neglected. 

 Horses must frequently be given this work. 



Practice in out-of-door riding permits us to group the 

 difficulties which the horse presents in jumping into a 

 small number of defenses, which it suffices to recognize 

 in order to promptly correct them. 



