74 METHOD OF HOESEMANSHIP. 



this stiffness of the muscles of the lower 

 jaw, by permitting the horse in certain 

 cases to escape the action of the bit. I 

 then bethou2:ht me of the means of com- 

 bating these resistances in this, their last 

 stronghold, and from that time, it is there 

 that I always commence my work of suppling. 



First exercise on foot. — Z\Ieans of making 

 the horse come to the man, of makmg him 

 steady to mount, &c. &c. 



Before commencing the exercises of flex- 

 ions, it is essential to give the horse a first 

 lesson of subjection, and teach him to re- 

 cognize the power of man. This first act of 

 submission, -which might appear unimport- 

 ant, will have the effect of quickly render- 

 ing him calm, of giving him confidence, and 

 of repressing all those movements which 

 might distract his attention, and mar the 

 success of the commencement of his educa- 

 tion. 



