1 1 4 Ctirb, Snaffle, and Spttr, 



be practised until the horse will go any number 

 of steps backwards, lightly and smoothly ; but a 

 forward movement must always be demanded 

 before the horse rests. A tap of the whip on 

 either flank while the horse is backino^ will make 

 a change of direction opposite to the side upon 

 which the whip-tap is delivered. To make the 

 horse turn to the left in backing, the trainer may 

 stand on the off-side of the horse and take the 

 reins in his right hand, the whip in his left, or he 

 may reach over the back of the horse and apply 

 the whip to the off-side of the animal. These 

 lessons in backing should be given from time 

 to time, with sufficient frequency to insure that 

 the horse does not forget that which has been 

 demanded. 



After the horse has been confirmed in obe- 

 dience to the effects of the curb-bit by the 

 various lessons up to the gallop changes, the 

 trainer should teach it to back when he is mounted. 

 He will bring the horse in hand in place, and 

 give an increased pressure of his legs against the 

 animal's flanks. The moment an impulse is 

 secured, he will carry back the forces of the fore- 

 hand, and decrease the pressure of his heels, so 



