RIDING AND TRAINING. IOI 



touches of the bit, the animal is 4n hand,' the lowest 

 state of collection consistent with light and easy 

 action. (Fig. 17.) 



From the state of collection described as 'in hand' 

 the horse is ready to move, forward or backward, at 

 a walk. To prepare the horse to move forward 

 from a halt at a more rapid pace than a walk, the 

 centre of gravity will be carried further back, so 

 that greater impulse may come from the croup 

 when the hand releases the forehand. For the 

 gallop, from a halt, the centre of gravity will be 

 carried back and the forehand lightened on the side 

 with which the horse is to lead, and the balance of 

 forces will be obtained after the horse is put in 

 motion. 



As soon as the horse has come ' into hand ' the 

 rider should yield the reins, release the pressure of 

 the legs, and encourage the animal by kind words 

 and caresses. 



When the horse is trained it should be habitually 

 ridden ' in hand,' and the occasions when a closer 

 collection is required will be pointed out. But the 

 first lessons should be given by gradual steps, and 

 the horse should not be fatigued or harassed. To 

 endeavour to force the horse to come ' into hand ' 

 is the surest method of making the animal heavy 

 and sullen. 



