Leading with a Foreleg 171 



with the reins. In the latter stages of the training, 

 the curb-rein may be brought into play to improve 

 the style and increase the action. Because of the 

 extra exertion, the trotting lesson should always be 

 of short duration, and the horse kept well within 

 his strength. 



The horse should be taught to lead with either 

 foreleg at the discretion of the rider. To teach the 

 animal to lead with the right foreleg, gently pull 

 his head to the right, inclining the body some- 

 what to the right and at the same time cautiously 

 apply the right spur just behind the girth, as the 

 prick there causes the animal to move his right 

 foreleg. Some horsemen gently strike the right 

 elbow with the toe of their boot, and at the same 

 time tap the horse as far back on the left quarter 

 as possible with the whip. This causes the horse 

 to bring the left hind leg forward, and as the right 

 front leg moves in unison the desired action is ob- 

 tained. To teach the horse to lead with the left 

 front leg, just reverse the procedure. This training 

 should be given in the paddock, and should be re- 

 peated until the rider can control the leading leg 

 at a given signal. 



The canter. — With the horse at the walk, take 

 him on the curb-rein, pull him together until his 

 legs are under him, lean slightly to the front and urge 

 him forward by the gentle apphcation of the spurs, 

 restraining him at the same time with the curb- 



