112 Manual of Equitation and Horse Training 



The half turn on the haunches is the last degree of the 

 demivolte. Executed correctly and rapidly, it proves the 

 lightness of the forehand, the suppleness of the shoulders, 

 the strength of the loin, and obedience of the haunches. 

 If these two movements be decomposed step by step, the 

 horse will better understand the mechanism, but there will 

 be no gymnastic effect. In order to derive much benefit 

 from them they must be executed briskly. 



The half turns on the shoulders and on the haunches 

 are difficult to execute perfectly. The half turn in which 

 the horse pivots on his center of gravity while carrying his 

 shoulders to the right and his haunches to the left, for ex- 

 ample, is of easy execution and constant application. It 

 is obtained by the action of the left bearing rein of oppo- 

 sition which carries the shoulders to the right and makes 

 the haunches deviate toward the left, and by the action of 

 the right leg by which also carries the haunches to the op- 

 posite side. 



Galloping a horse. — The mediocre quality of troop 

 horses requires great care in the use of rapid gaits, and 

 greatly limits the speed which can be demanded of them, 

 as well as the distance over which they can be exercised. 



Nevertheless, the practice of the charge necessitates 

 for the trooper not only the use of extended gallop, but 

 also the intermediate speeds. 



The instructor exercises care over the details of this 

 work, chooses his day and ground, and gradually teaches 

 men and horses to take and maintain a sustained gallop. 



In these exercises the rider attempts more than ever 

 to push his horse up to the hand. The more the horse 

 takes confidence in this bearing the better will he place 

 himself to assure speed. Thus, for the first times it is bet- 

 ter to use a snaffle or double snaffle. The first gallops are 

 made easier by grouping the horses by twos or threes at 

 the maximum. To be secure at the gallop the rider must 

 shove his feet home in the stirrups, have the thighs against 

 the saddle, the lower leg fixed against the horse's body; 

 he should carry the top of the body slightly forward, 

 which will relieve the loin, allow the haunches to act with 

 more power, and consequently favor speed. 



But the seat, while being raised, should remain so that 

 it will instantly regain its normal position when it is wished 

 to come back into the saddle; this will be so when the 



