222 



HOW OBEDIENCE IS TAUGHT 



more regular, he is taught to put himself and go 

 in a good position, and in those positions which 

 are necessary to us in order to have the mastery of 

 him and dominate him when we shall ride him. 

 Thus whilst his mind is iui^tructed his body is 

 also trained, and owing to the mutual influence 

 of the one on the other, by means of his mind 

 his body is trained, and by means of his body his 

 mind is instructed. 



Gradation is necessary in instruction in order 

 to avoid oppositions and reactions and also for the 

 purpose of maintaining the strength of the back- 

 bone and legs of the horse. The muscles and in 

 particular the tendons require great gradation in 

 order to adapt themselves to the positions in which 

 we need to place the horse without suffering from 

 them. Instruction should be given in such a way 

 as to make him gain strength, vigour and elasticity, 

 and not to diminish these or hurt the horse. 



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