48 NEW METHOD OF HORSEMANSHIP, 



this position, without which the flexion would be imper- 

 fect and the suppleness incomplete. The movement be- 

 ing regularly accomplished, the horse will be made to 

 resume his natural position by a slight tension of the left 

 rein. (Plate X.) 



The flexion to the left is executed in the same way, the 

 rider employing alternately the snaffle and curb-reins. 



I have already mentioned that it is of great importance 

 to supple the upper part of the neck. After mounting, 

 and having obtained the lateral flexions without resis- 

 tanccjthe rider will often content himself with executing 

 them half-way, the head and upper part of the neck 

 pivoting upon the lower part, which will serve as a base 

 or axis. This exercise must be frequently repeated, even 

 after the horse's education is completed, in order to keep 

 up the pliability, and facilitate the getting him in hand. 



It now remains for us, in order to complete the sup- 

 ling of the head and neck, to combat the contractions 

 which occasion the direct resistances, and prevent your 

 getting the horse's head in a perpendicular position. 



Direct flexions of the head and necTc^ or ramener.^ — 



1. The rider will first use the snafile-rtins, which he will 

 hold together in the left hand as he would the curb-reins. 

 He will rest the outer edge of the right hand (see Plate 

 XI.) on the reins in Iront of the left hand in order to in- 

 crease the power of the right hand ; after which he will 

 gradually bear on the snaffle-bit. As soon as the horse 

 yields, it would suffice to raise the right hand to diminish 

 the tension of the reins and reward the animal. . As the 

 hand must only present a force proportioned to the re- 

 sistance of the neck, it will only be necessary to hold the 

 legs rather close to prevent backing. When the horse 



*Eamener means to place the horse'a head in a perpendicular position.— 

 Tkanslatob. 



