Backing, 



ii5 



that the horse will step to the rear with the leg 

 which is flexed ; and the step having been taken 

 to the rear, he will close his legs against the 

 flanks, and decrease the tension upon the reins 



BACKING. 



so that the horse will move forward. By degrees 

 the horse will be made to go any distance to the 

 rear, the rider taking care that the horse is per- 

 fectly straight, and that it does not lose its light- 

 ness. In backing, the rider must never let the 



