134 ROAD, PARK, AND SCHOOL 



been in the united gallop with the right side leading, 

 will be closely collected ; at the moment the fore- 

 hand comes to the ground in any stride the right 

 heel will give an accentuated pressure against the 

 side of the horse, the left shoulder of the rider will 

 be retired, and play will be made with the left curb- 

 rein, so that the animal shall resume the gallop 

 with the left side leading the change having been 

 begun by the hind-legs at the moment the spur 

 had effect, by the fore-legs when they were free 

 from the ground. 



A majority of riders are, I believe, of the opinion 

 that the changes of lead in the gallop always begin 

 with the fore-legs ; and in making the changes, 

 and in the movements to the side upon two paths, 

 they place the horse in the school gallop, a pace of 

 four beats, in which the weights are thrown back 

 upon the hind-quarters. But if the horse be in 

 equilibrium the true gallop should be a pace of three 

 beats, and the changes may be begun with either 

 extremity. 



The horse may then begin the change of lead in 

 the true gallop either with the fore-legs or with the 

 hind-legs ; in the former case the rider making the 

 bit act before the spur. I have come to the con- 

 clusion that it is better, as a rule, to make the horse 

 begin the change with the hind-legs, because the 



