Training to Walk 169 



mal's mouth, and allow the hand to be slightly influ- 

 enced by the movements of his head. Apply the 

 unspurred heel in such a way as to induce the horse 

 to increase the length of his stride, without breaking 

 into a jog. If he shows any inclination to break, 

 immediately steady him by a slight increase of the 

 pressure on the bit, and by the voice. After a few 

 breaks, the rider can tell when the horse is on the 

 verge of breaking, and should hold himself in readi- 

 ness to gently prevent him from doing so. It is 

 important to remember, in teaching the horse to 

 walk fast, that he must be allowed the freedom of his 

 head, and that the reins must not be held in a firm 

 hand. If the. reins are held firmly, it causes him to 

 shorten his steps and to go into the air instead of 

 moving rapidly forward. As the lesson progresses, 

 the blunt spurs may be applied to stimulate the 

 horse to greater effort. 



It is not advisable to continue the walking lesson. 

 After going a couple of miles, carrying the horse well 

 up to his limit at the flat-footed walk, he may be 

 quietly urged into a trot for a quarter of a mile, mak- 

 ing him do his best as to style and action all of the 

 way. Steady down to the walk, and continue as be- 

 fore. To prevent the horse from acquiring a slov- 

 enly or uneven gait, always rnake him do his best at 

 each gait. To perfect the horse at the flat-footed 

 walk may require months, but we should keep at the 

 task, always urging him to the mark. 



