CHAPTER ir. 



EqUIIvIBRIUM. 



A little mn«5t be understood about equilibrium before 

 the aids can properly be mastered. 



Direct Bquilibrium. — This relates to the balance of 

 the horse when the center of gravity is moved forward 

 or backward. The fore legs of the horse are used for 

 translation, the hind legs for propulsion. The horse 

 naturally bears more weight upon his fore legs than upon 

 his hind. The center of gravity, then, is nearer the fore 

 quarters than the hind, which is therefore favorable to 

 the forward movement of the horse. 



If the weight of the horse, by changing the positioni 

 of parts of the body, brings the center of gravity to- 

 wards the rear, it is more favorable for the backward 

 movement. 



When the center of gravity is forward, the fore legs 

 control the movement of the mass, and the hind legs 



21 



