THE BARB AND THE BEIDLE. 63 



on two lines parallel to each other, hind feet one yard from the 

 boards." 



Again. " Q. Whsd, are the aids for working this lesson? — A. 

 On the word ' right or left shoulder in,' the horse's forehand is 

 brought in by a double feeling of the inward rein, the outward 

 leg closed, so as to bring the horse's hind feet one yard from the 

 boards." 



The outward rein leads, the inward preserves the bend ; a pressure 

 -of the inward leg (of the rider) compels the horse to cross his legs ; 

 the outward leg keeps him up to the hand and prevents him from 

 swerving. The horse should be well bent in the pole of the neck, 

 and well kept up to the hand with the outward leg, the shoulders 

 always leading. 



It will be seen from the above that the rider compels, or rather 

 ■coaxes, the horse, by very firm and steady aids, to move with his 

 forehand well up, and his whole figure bent (neck and ribs), with his 

 feet moving on two distinct parallel lines — the effect being to call 

 upon every important joint, and thoroughly to supple the ligaments 

 and tendons, as well as to create muscular development, in a way 

 similar to that of gymnastic or extension exercises in the human 

 being. "With young horses in training it is necessary to watch this 

 lesson very carefully, and never to "ask too much" at one time, 

 because any forcing of it would certainly result in restiveness ; the 

 ^strain, even with naturally supple horses, is considerable, and must 

 not be persevered with one moment after it is eivdently painful. Of 

 course, in the case of a lady practising the lesson, it must be done 

 upon a horse that has gone through a long course of teaching, and 

 to whom, therefore, the movements cause no inconvenience. But 

 even here the pupil will find that she must use her hand and leg with 

 firmness, steadiness, and decision, without hurry or impatience, or 

 the horse will not answer to her. 



The movement must be executed very slowly, and at first only by 

 a few steps at a time, because, however au fait at his work the 

 horse may be, the pupil will find considerable difficulty in continu- 

 ing to apply the aids. 



In working the " shoulder in" to the right, it is necessary for the 



