THE PRIMER. 5 



of equal strength. So when the rider wishes to 

 fix either of the extremities — say for a pirouette 

 or for any other purpose — that part will be 

 depressed, and the forces of the other extremity 

 will be given more power. 



In the rapid gallop, the forces are so shifted 

 at each stride that nothing like equilibrium can 

 be maintained ; equilibrium means rest, and the 

 greater the speed, the greater the disturbance 

 of the balance of forces. But in high rates of 

 speed the vigour of action and the momentum 

 prevent those disorders in action that result from 

 a want of collection in the slower paces. In the 

 rapid trot a certain balance must be observed, 

 for if the weights are thrown too far forward, 

 the forehand will be impeded, and the fore-legs 

 cannot act with their diagonally disposed hind- 

 legs, and the horse will break into the gallop. 

 A horse that has been suppled and collected 

 will always be more obedient than one which 

 has not been so disciplined, and in a trained 

 horse the necessary state of union can be easily 

 re-established after rapid paces as the rate of 

 speed is reduced. 



We must recognise three forms of the union and 

 balance of the forces. First, ' In Hand,' which is 

 the lowest form of collection consistent with free, 



