LATERAL FLEXIONS ON HORSEBACK. 91 



The flexion to the left is executed in the 

 same way, the rider employing alternately 

 the snaffle and the curb-reins. 



I have already mentioned that it is of 

 great importance to supple the upper part 

 of the neck. After mounting, and having 

 obtained the lateral flexions without resist- 

 ance, the rider will often content himself 

 with executing them half-way, the head and 

 upper part of the neck pivoting upon the 

 lower part, which will serve as a base, or 

 axis. This exercise must be frequently re- 

 peated, even after the horse's education is 

 completed, in order to keep up the pliabil- 

 ity of his neck, and facilitate the getting 

 him in hand. 



It now remains for us, in order to com- 

 plete the suppling of the head and neck, to 

 combat the contractions which occasion the 

 direct resistances, and prevent our getting 



