The Legs. 55 



weight alternately upon the forehand and the 

 haunches, without stepping forward or back- 

 ward. You will soon, if you are skilful in 

 thus soliciting him to change his balance, be- 

 come conscious of a gentle but perceptible 

 oscillation of his body upon his legs. Catch 

 your opportunity when the reflux of his 

 weight from the fore to the hind legs is just 

 beginning, maintain the pressure of the hands 

 and forbear to renew that of the legs. The 

 inevitable consequence will be that he will 

 step backwards at a steady walk. 



When you have got your horse well col- 

 lected at a walk and a halt, you will probably 

 find little difficulty in keeping him so at a 

 trot and a canter. Indeed, if the contrary 

 should happen, the fault is more likely to be 

 his than yours ; and the remedy is therefore 

 no part of our present subject. If, on the 

 other hand, you feel him when in quick mo- 

 tion eager to spring from the spur, yet reluc- 

 tant to throw his weight upon the bit, the 

 natural power of the animal will be the only 

 limit to your command over him. By judi- 

 ciously timing your indications, you may make 

 him bound and curvet, caper and caracole, 



