REACTIONS 301 



mentioned, his reactions may be determined by — 

 provocations of the rider — by circumstances — 

 by reminiscence. — All special causes which may 

 excite the horse to make reactions may also be 

 occasions for their being carried out. 



Unless the horse is of a vicious nature most 

 reactions are occasioned by provocation of the un- 

 capable rider — who does not know what he 

 should do — who does what he should not — 

 who does not know how to prevent them by proper 

 aids or punishments applied in due time — who 

 has ventured upon a struggle with him — who 

 excites him with the spurs — who rides him be- 

 fore having taught him confidence, obedience and 

 brought his body into the proper position in which 

 it can be prevented from making reactions — who 

 will force the horse to perform a movement which 

 he does not desire to make because his body, not 

 being prepared for it, feels pain. Usually the horse 

 refuses to make this movement on the first aids 

 being applied and reacts if punishments are given 

 for the purpose of forcing him to make it. 



When the horse is ridden while he is not yet 



