BECIPROCAL CONTRACTIONS. 31 



these contractions operate, in order to endeavor to 

 oppose and destroy them. 



Long and conscientious observations have shown me 

 that, whatever be the fault of formation that in the 

 horse prevents a just distribution of liis forces, it is 

 always in the neck that the most immediate effect is felt. 

 There is no improper movement, no resistance that is 

 not preceded by the contraction of this part of the ani- 

 mal ; and as the jaw is intimately connected with the 

 neck, the stiffness of the one is instantly communicated 

 to the other. These two points are the prop upon 

 which the horse rests, in order to annul all the rider's 

 efforts. We can easily conceive the immense obstacle 

 they must present to the impulsions of the latter, since 

 the neck and head, being the two p3-incipal levers by 

 which we direct the animal, it is impossible to obtain 

 anything from him until we are master of these first and 

 indispensable means of action. Behind, the parts where 

 the forces contract the most for resistance, are the loins 

 and the croup (the haunches). 



The contractions of these two opposite extremities are, 

 mutually the one to the other, causes and effects, that is 

 to say, the stiffness of the neck induces that of the 

 haunches, and reciprocally. We can combat the one by 

 the other ; and as soon as we have succeeded in annulling 

 them, as soon as we have re-established the equilibrium 

 and harmony that they prevented between the fore and 

 hind-parts, the education of the horse will be half finished. 

 I will now point out the means of infallibly arriving at 

 this result. 



