Suppling the Horse. 95 



You have now got your horse fairly in hand 

 at a walk, and must proceed to effect the same 

 purpose at a trot. Increase his pace very 

 gently at first. You will find, however 

 cautious you may be, that he no sooner strikes 

 a trot than he stiffens his neck. Immediately 

 meet him with your hands, and endeavour to 

 play with his mouth so as to bring in his nose. 

 If he shortens his pace instead of yielding his 

 mouth, as at first he is sure to do, relax your 

 hands very slightly and drive him forward by 

 applying your legs. When he finds that he is 

 not going to be allowed either to stiffen his 

 crest or to shorten his pace, he will adopt the 

 only alternative, and proceed at a trot with his 

 head home. 



You will, however, unless you are gifted 

 with extraordinary natural tact, require con- 

 siderable patience and perseverance before 

 your horse goes contentedly in his new attitude. 

 A horse which has just learnt to collect him- 

 self feels as awkward as a recruit who has just 

 learnt to stand at c attention/ and is as ready to 

 relapse into his old lounging demeanour. The 

 prompt use of the legs will be your principal 

 resource. Whenever your horse begins to 



