66 BREAKING AND TRAINING 



by rough handling, becomes replaced in part by 

 tough fibrous tissue cells, in other words, indurated, 

 more especially at the angles of the mouth. 



To increase the weight on the forehand the rider 

 has only to lean forward in the saddle, draw the feet 

 forward, and lower the horse's head. He can lighten 

 it by leaning hack in the saddle and keeping the 

 horse's head well up. 



If a horse has a ''good mouth," he will respond to the 

 " aids " (reins, whip, legs, voice, etc.) with promptitude 

 and precision, performing any reasonable requirements. 

 To do this he must carry himself well balanced, which 

 means that he must neither " hang on the bit " or 

 " go behind his bridle," otherwise, he will throw an 

 unequal amount of weight upon the forehand and 

 hind quarters respectively, thus disturbing the 

 equilibrium so necessary for perfection of action. 



When a saddle horse is trotting, etc., the balance of 

 his body is easily disturbed by a change in position 

 of the rider's seat, hence it follows that any alteration 

 of weight distribution should, in a well schooled horse, 

 be the signal for a definite purpose. This shows the 

 necessity for the rider to keep his position in the 

 saddle equally well balanced when going straight. 



