20 HORSEMANSHIP. 



instead of turning about upon his own ground. The 

 rider must be most particular upon this point, since he 

 may be frequently placed in difficult positions, in which 

 the collected action of the horse may save him from the 

 greatest injury and peril. 



When the rider has perfect command over the horse 

 in the trot — when he can collect and extend him to 

 any speed he desires — when he can incline him to 

 the right and left, turn to the right and left, turn to 

 the right and left about, and rein backwards at will, 

 — then he may commence with the pace of the 

 canter. 



THE CANTER. 



As the bearings and pressures were increased to 

 compel the horse to trot, so must they be further in- 

 creased to urge him to canter. He must not be al- 

 lowed to canter with either fore-leg leading at his 

 own will, but must be made to do so at the will of 

 the rider. To canter with the right or off fore-leg 

 leading, the extra bearing must be made upon the right 

 rein ; and at the same time the pressure with the left 

 leg must be increased.* If the horse refuses to strike 



* This practice is adopted from the German, and is used in our 

 cavalry system of equitation. It is frequently condemned by many of 



