112 HACKS AND HUNTERS 



fore legs of a horse forward is attached at one end to 

 the shoulder blade and at the other to the top of the 

 animal's head and neck, the manner in which he carries 

 the latter appreciatively affects his stride. The higher 

 his head (within reason), the shorter and higher will be 

 his action. At the same time there will be less weight 

 on his forehand, which is an advantage to the hack 

 whose fore legs receive much wear and tear in trotting. 



In order to force a horse to carry his head in the 

 position we desire, we must, by the use of leg, spur, 

 or stick, if necessary, make him bring his hindquarters 

 well under him, and send him into his bridle, at the 

 same time slightly restraining him by means of the 

 reins, so that his own impetuosity on being urged 

 forward, and at the same time held back, will make 

 him step up the distance he otherwise would have 

 stepped in length. 



Preparatory to trotting we must by means of leg 

 and stick see that the horse's shoulders are square to 

 the front so as to prevent any tendency on his part to 

 break into a canter. In cantering, the leg and stick 

 also play a large part, in assisting the animal to lead 

 on his proper foot and to prevent his cross cantering 

 (right in front and wrong behind). 



Although, for the sake of comfort, a woman's horse 

 is usually supposed to lead on his off fore leg, it is 

 really quite immaterial, when he is proceeding on a 

 straight line, which leg the animal leads with, providing 

 he is going collectedly. When travelling in a circle, 

 however, it is most essential that the horse lead on 

 that fore leg which is on the inner side of the circle, or, 

 in other words, he must lead on the fore leg on the side 

 toward which he is turning. If this is not carefully 

 observed, the animal is likely to cross his fore legs and 



