TRAINING. 143 



carried to the rear, so that the forward impulse will 

 be checked and the raised hind-leg be taken one 

 step to the rear. As soon as this one step has 

 been taken, the whip taps upon the rump and the 

 liberty given by the hand will induce the horse to 

 move forward 2l few paces. The horse should then 

 be halted and collected, and two steps made to the 

 rear, and a forward movement at once demanded, 

 each step being initiated by a forward impulse from 

 the croup. In like manner these steps to the rear 

 will be increased, until the horse will go backwards 

 any distance in a light and well-balanced form, 

 without struggles, and each step being made dis- 

 tinctly and slowly, the horse being invariably made 

 to move forward after the last step to the rear 

 has been taken. When the horse is confirmed in 

 this movement with the trainer on foot, the animal 

 should be mounted, and taught to back in obedience 

 to the hand and legs of the rider. 



The horse being united in place, the rider will 

 press his legs against the animal's sides until he 

 feels that a forward impulse has been generated ; 

 this impulse will be met and checked by the hand, 

 the legs withdrawn from its flanks, and the forces 

 carried back so that the hind-leg that has been 

 raised to be carried forward will be taken one step 

 to the rear : the legs will then close against the 



