Horse Training by Modern Methods. 33 



General Rule. — A general rule is, that at all times 

 contact is kept with the mouth by the reins through the 

 medium of the bit. The reins never flop. There are 

 two exceptions to this rule allowable: during complete 

 abandon, as at the walk; and momentarily, during flex- 

 ions, as will be shown later. 



The Seat. — The seat is an aid when it changes the 

 support of the body from one buttock to the other to 

 assist the horse in lateral movements. This movement 

 helps to carry the center of gravity of the horse to the 

 side toward which the movement is desired. Similarly 

 an increase in the weight placed on one stirrup is an aid. 



The upper part of the body by leaning forward or 

 back likewise assists the horse in moving the center of 

 gravity forward and back. 



