FLEXION OF JAW. 87 



on the ground saddled and bridled, the reins on liis 

 neck. The man will first see that the bit is properly- 

 placed in the horse's mouth, and that the curb-chain is 

 fastened so that he can introduce his finger between the 

 links and the horse's chin. Then looking the animal 

 good-naturedly in the eyes, he will place himself before 

 him near his head, holding his body straight and firm, 

 his feet a little apart to steady himself, and dispose 

 himself to struggle with advantage against all resist- 

 ances.* 



1st. In order to execute the flexion to the right, the 

 man will take hold of the right curb-rein with the right 

 hand, at about six inches from the branch of the bit, and 

 the left rein with the left hand, at only three inches from 

 the left branch. He will then draw his right hand 

 towards his body, pushing out his left hand so as to turn 

 the bit in the horse's mouth. The force employed ought 

 to be entirely determined by and proportioned to the 

 resistance of the jaw and neck only, in order not to afiect 

 the aplomb^ which keeps his body still. If the horse 

 backs to avoid the flexion, the opposition of the hands 

 should still be continued. If the preceding exercise has 

 been completely and carefully practised, it will be easy 

 by the aid of the whip to prevent this retrograde move- 

 ment, which is a great obstacle to all kinds of flexions of 

 the jaw and neck. (Plate I.) 



2d. As soon as the flexion is obtained, the left hand 

 will let the left rein slip to the same length as the right, 

 then drawing the two reins equally will bring the head 

 near to the breast, in order to hold it there oblique and 



• I have divided all the flexions into two parts, and, in order to facilitate 

 the understanding of the text, I have added to it plates representing the 

 position of the horse at the moment the flexion is about to commence, and at 

 the moment it is terminated. 



