54 Horse and Man. 



merely to raise his forehand and bring his 

 hind legs well under him ; and you must per- 

 severe in the present practice, though without 

 using the spurs if you find the pressure of 

 your legs sufficient, until you succeed in pro- 

 ducing this effect and no other. 



When you have fairly got your horse be- 

 tween your hands and legs at a fast walk, pro- 

 ceed to shorten his pace until, without letting 

 him escape from his equilibrium, you have 

 brought him to a full halt. Then drop your 

 hands and legs, and permit the horse to stretch 

 his neck and stand at his ease ; and then, 

 gently drawing the rein and closing the legs, 

 endeavour to bring him again into balance 

 without permitting him to shift his ground. 

 This is a task of considerable delicacy, and 

 you will require some practice before you can 

 do it quickly and completely ; but your suc- 

 cess will be rewarded by a consciousness of 

 perfect command over your horse such as you 

 never felt before. 



Reining back must be your next lesson. 

 Get your horse collected and light in hand at 

 a halt ; and then, by alternately relaxing your 

 hands and legs, induce him to throw his 



