114 NEW METHOD OF HORSEMANSHIP. 



if the jaw is contracted or closed against the upper one. 

 Besides, as in this case the dispLacing of the horse's body 

 is only obtained with difficulty, the movements resulting 

 therefrom will also be painful. 



Q. Is it enough that the horse champ his bit for the 

 flexion of his jaw to leave nothing more to wish for ? 



A. No, it is also necessary that the horse let go of the 

 hit — that is to say, that he should separate (at our will) 

 his jaws as much as possible. 



Q. Can all horses have this mobility of jaw? 



A. All without exception, if we follow the gradation 

 pointed out, and if the rider does not allow himself to be 

 deceived by the flexion of the neck. Useful as this is, it 

 would be insufficient without the play of the jaw. 



Q. In the direct flexion of the jaw, ought we to give 

 a tension to the curb-reins and those of the snaffle at the 

 same time ? 



A. No, we must make the snaffle precede (the hand 

 being placed as indicated in Plate No. III.), until the head 

 and neck are lowered ; afterwards the pressure of the bit, 

 in time with the snaffle, will promptly make the jaws 

 open. 



Q. Ought we often to repeat this exercise? 



A. It should be continued until the jaws separate by 

 a light pressure of the bit or snaffle. 



Q. Why is the stifi'ness of the neck so powerful an 

 obstacle to the education of the horse? 



A. Because it absorbs to its profit the force which 

 the rider seeks in vain to transmit throughout the whole 

 mass. 



Q. Can the haunches be supplied separately ? 



A. Certainly they can ; and this exercise is comprised 

 in what is called stationary exercise. 



Q. What is its useful object ? 



