HOW TO BENDER HORSES OBEDIENT. 287 



and in an easy and gradual manner. After passing 

 through the corner, and getting on again to a straight 

 line, the action of the rider's legs is again equalised, 

 but his hands always remain in the position described, 

 as the horse's head must be kept slightly away from the 

 wall or barrier. 



This process is graduated thus : first, round off 

 the angles in a wide sweep, then gradually narrower ; 

 secondly, halve and then quarter the menage, by which 

 means the angles will come more frequently into play ; 

 finally, convert your smallest rectangle into a circle, 

 and wind up by diminishing its diameter, changing, of 

 course, from one hand to the other, in order to work 

 both hind legs equally. 



There are two distinct means employed here : first, 

 the getting the horse's head and neck up and back to 

 use a nautical expression again, more inboard ; secondly, 

 to accustom the horse to bend its hocks and branches 

 so as to take over a portion of the weight. Unless 

 greatly pressed for time, it is better not to commence 

 both processes at once, and much preferable to devote 

 attention, in the first instance, to the position of the 

 horse's head and neck; and when some progress has 

 been made with these, then go on to the hind legs. 

 Therefore the seat and the position of the rider's legs 

 will be at first more analogous to the English fashion, 

 reverting, when the time comes, to the school position 

 as a matter of necessity. A certain portion of the work 

 of getting the horse's head and neck into position may 

 be very advantageously done whilst the animal stands 

 still, but no real progress can be made in getting it to 

 carry its burden in the desired manner unless these 

 bending lessons, as they are called, be immediately 



