94 METHOD OF HORSEMANSHIP. 



able^ for a concession on its part would en- 

 courage resistance and increase the difficul- 

 ties. When the nose shall descend to No. 

 10, the perpendicular position will be com- 

 plete, and the lightness perfect. The rider 

 can then cease the tension of the reins, but at 

 the same time he must not permit the head to 

 leave its position. If he lets it return at all 

 to its natural situation, it should only be to 

 draw it back again, and to make the animal 

 understand that the perpendicular position 

 of the head is the only one allowed when 

 under the rider's hand. He should, at the 

 outset, accustom the horse to cease backing 

 at the pressure of the legs, as all backward 

 movements would enable him to avoid the 

 effects of the hand, or create new means of 

 resistance. (Plate XII.) 



This is the most important flexion of all ; 

 the others tended principally to pave the 

 way for it. As soon as it is executed with 



