EXPOSITION OF THE METHOD. 121 



impulsion. We should not wish to incline to one side 

 what we cannot stop. 



Q. In what case ought we to make use of the caves- 

 son, and what is its use ? 



A. We should make use of it when the faulty con- 

 struction of the horse leads him to defend himself, when 

 only simple movements are demanded of him. It is also 

 useful to use the cavesson with restive horses, as its 

 object is to act upon the moral, while the rider acts upon 

 the physical. 



Q. How ought we to make use of the cavesson ? 



A. At first, the longe of the cavesson should be held 

 at from fifteen or twenty inches from the horse's head, 

 held out and supported with a stiff wrist. We must 

 watch the proper times to diminish or increase the bear- 

 ing of the cavesson upon the horse's nose, so as to use 

 it as an aid. All viciousness that leads him to act badly 

 is to be repressed by little jerks, which should be given 

 at the very moment of defense. As soon as the rider's 

 movements begin to be appreciated by the horse, the 

 longe of the cavesson ought no longer to act ; at the 

 end of a few days the horse will only need the bit, to 

 which he will respond without hesitation. 



Q. In what case is the rider less intelligent than the horse? 



A. When the latter subjects him to his caprices, and 

 does what he wishes with him. 



Q. Are the defenses of the horse physical or moral ? 



A. At first they are physical, but afterwards become 

 moral ; the rider ought then to seek out the causes that 

 produce them, and endeavor, by a preparatory exercise, 

 to re-establish the correct equilibrium that a bad natural 

 formation prevented. 



Q. Can the naturally well-balanced horse defend him- 

 self ? 



