40 XEW METHOD OF IIOKSEMAXSHIP. 



him at first. To enter on the flexion roughly would be 

 to shock the animal's intelligence, who would not have 

 had time to comprehend what was required of him. The 

 opposition of the hands will be commenced gently 

 but firmly, not to cease until perfect obedience 

 is obtained, except, indeed, the horse backs against a 

 wall, or into a corner ; but it will diminish or increase 

 its eflTect in proportion to the resistance, in away always 

 to govern it, but not with too great violence. The horse 

 that at first will, perhaps, submit with difficulty, will end 

 by regarding the man's hand as an irresistible regulator, 

 and will become so used to obeying it, that he will soon 

 obtain, by a simple pressure of the rein, what at first 

 required the whole strength of our arms. 



At each renewal of the lateral flexions some progress 

 will be made in the obedience of the horse. As soon as 

 his first resistances are a little diminished, we will pass 

 to the perpendicular flexions or depression of the neck. 



Depression of the neck by the direct flexion of the 

 jaw. — 1. The man will place himself as for the lateral 

 flexions of the jaw ; he will take hold of the reins of the 

 snaffle with the left hand, at six inches from the rings, 

 and the curb-reins at about two inches from the bit. He 

 will oppose the two hands by effecting the depression 

 with the left and the proper position with the right. 

 (Plate III.) 



2. As soon as the horse's head shall fall of its own 

 accord and by its own weight, the man will instantly 

 cease all kind of force, a.nd allow the animal to resume 

 his natural position. (Plate IV.) 



This exercise being often repeated, will soon bring 

 about the suppling of the elevating muscles of the neck, 

 which play a prominent part in the resistances of the 

 horse, and will besides facilitate the direct flexions and 



