144 MODERN HORSEMANSHIP. 



sides of the horse, the tension upon the reins will 

 be relaxed, and the horse be made to take a few- 

 steps forward. In a like manner, the number of 

 steps to the rear will be increased, each step being 

 separately demanded, and the backward movement 

 being met and checked by the rider's legs, the 

 tension upon the reins being relaxed when the 

 backward impulse has been given ; after each step 

 the horse should be ready to go forward or back- 

 ward as the rider wishes. In a few lessons the 

 horse may be made to back any distance in a light, 

 smooth, and balanced action. 



The horse may be made to turn to either 

 hand in backing by an increased pressure of the 

 rider's leg against the side opposite to which the 

 turn is to be made while the hand keeps the fore- 

 hand upon the path taken by the croup. That is, 

 if the turn be made, in backing, to the right, the 

 left leg of the rider will give the increased pressure, 

 and the left rein will have a slightly increased 

 tension. 



