72 NEW METHOD OF HORSEMANSHIP. 



pounds, fifteen for the impulse forward, and five to bring 

 his head into position. If the legs increase their motion 

 without the hands increasing theirs in the same propor- 

 tion, it is evident that the surplus of communicated force 

 will be thrown into the neck, cause it to contract, and 

 destroy all lightness. If, on the contrary, it is the hand 

 which acts with too much violence, it will be at the 

 expense of the impulsive force necessary to move the horse 

 forward ; on this account, his forward movement will be 

 slackened and counteracted, at the same time that his 

 position will lose its gracefulness and power. 



This short explanation will suffice to show the harmony 

 that should exist between the legs and hands. It is 

 understood that their motion should vary according as the 

 formation of the horse renders it necessary to support 

 him more or less before or behind ; but the rule is the 

 same, only the proportions are different. 



As long as the horse will not keep himself supple and 

 light in his walk, we will continue to exercise him in a 

 straight line; but as soon as he acquires more ease and 

 steadiness, we will commence to make him execute 

 changes of direction to the right and left, while walking. 

 Changes of direction,— T\\q use of the wrists, in the 

 changes of direction, is so simple that it is unnecessary 

 to speak of it here. I will only call attention to the fact, 

 that the resistances of the horse ought always to be 

 anticipated by disposing his forces in such a manner that 

 they all concur in putting him in the way of moving. 

 The head will be inclined in the direction we wish lo go 

 by means of the snaffle-rein of that side, the curb will 

 then complete the movement. General rule : the lateral 

 resistance's of the neck are always to be opposed by the 

 aid of the snaffle, being very careful not to commence to 

 wheel until after destroying the obstacle that opposed it. 



