Il8 MODERN HORSEMANSHIP. 



or poise, is called the half-halt, and we shall see its 

 uses hereafter. The horse may be brought to the 

 full halt from the poise, or half-halt, if the rider 

 does not demand increased impulses at the moment 

 the poise is effected, when, by releasing the tension 

 upon the reins and withdrawing the pressure of the 

 legs, the horse comes to a rest. 



The horse should receive much practice in these 

 different forms of collection — first in the trot, and 

 then in the walk, being put ' in hand,' then in ' the 

 union,' then collected to 'the poise,' then in the 

 ' union,' and so on. 



After it has been confirmed in obedience to the 

 aids while in action, the different forms of collection 

 should be practised in place. We have described 

 ' in hand ' in place ; ' the union ' is simply a closer 

 collection. Then between hand and heels the 

 forces may be brought to such a point of union and 

 balance that, while the crest is curved, the neck is 

 swollen, and the jaw is pliant, the base of support 

 will be so small and unstable that some movement 

 must take place, for the tension of the nervous and 

 muscular systems is so great that ' the poise ' cannot 

 be maintained in perfection beyond a few moments. 



