CHAPTER III. 



HAND AND HEEL. —THE TROT, THE WALK, CHANGES 

 OF DIRECTION. 



THE horse having been taught to go forward 

 freely against a constant light tension upon 

 the reins, it is proper to employ lessons which 

 will confirm its obedience to the combined effects 

 of hands and heels, to demand even and regular 

 paces, and to increase the discipline by which we 

 are to deprive the horse of volition. A brisk, 

 slow trot is the best pace in which to produce 

 these effects ; for until the horse is brought to 

 answer every application of the hands and heels, 

 we must have the impulse of a forward move- 

 ment, upon which the hand may act. A very 

 important rule should be observed in riding ; 

 that is, the pressure of the rider's legs, or of his 

 heels, must always precede any action of the hand. 

 I do not now speak of the spur, for that should 

 not be used until the education of the animal 

 is more advanced ; and I may say here that the 



