Il6 MODERN HORSEMANSHIP. 



elevate or to depress the head by means of the 

 curb reins in exactly the same manner as with 

 the snaffle reins ; and this practice is essential, 

 as a thoroughly trained horse should be managed 

 by the curb reins independently of the snaffle, 

 although it is always safe to have the latter in 

 case of need. 



We have described the state of collection known 

 as ' in hand,' and habitually the horse should be 

 ridden * in hand ' ; but there are occasions when a 

 closer union must be demanded, and now is the 

 time to teach these to the horse. 



As I have said, a slow trot gives the best con- 

 ditions for uniting the forces of the horse. The 

 rider should from time to time put the horse into 

 a very slow, even trot, in hand, and then between 

 hand and heels demand a closer collection and a 

 better balance of the forces. When the crest is 

 curved, the jaw is pliant, the muscles of the neck 

 swell and play, the horse seems to grow under the 

 rider, and the pace is one in which, with bold and 

 high action, each pair of diagonally disposed legs 

 work in perfect unison, the horse is ' in union,' the 

 hiofhest form of collection consistent with motion. 

 This ' shortened trot ' will be fatiguing to the horse, 

 and it should, after a short time, be permitted to 

 go 'in hand,' and afterwards be rested. In this 



