258 baucher's method. 



proper location of his centre of gravity. The spur should 

 be applied adroitly and with caution, the legs being as little 

 moved as possible, and brought together so gently as to 

 pause within a quarter of an inch of the horse's flanks, be- 

 fore they actually touch them. The hand should be per- 

 fectly in unison, the reins being held with a strong grasp, 

 so as to completely control the increased violence of move- 

 ment caused by the spur. If the hand do not check this 

 at the very moment it is given, and a struggle for the mas- 

 tery ensues, we should restore the horse to complete tran- 

 quility before attempting to resume our instructions. By 

 pursuing this course, he may gradually be brought to 

 endure the the severest application of the spur, without 

 increasing his pressure upon the bit, accelerating his pace 

 when moving, or starting when standing still. 



A horse being thus far subjected, three-fourths of the 

 task of breaking is accomplished, his forces being com- 

 pletely at our command, and his centre of gravity coinci- 

 dent with the middle of his body, where it properly belongs, 

 •as all his forces unite at that point. Every movement 

 being now perfectly controlled by the rider, his weight can 

 readily be shifted when it becomes requisite. 



OF LEAPING THE DITCH AND BAR. 



The great desideratum is to induce the horse to under- 

 take the leap with readiness. If the course I have directed 

 to be pursued, for getting the natural forces of the animal 

 under subjection to our will, have been implicitly followed, 

 its value will be made apparent in the ease with which we 

 shall make him clear every obstacle before him. But 

 should he make any resistance, do not employ means to 

 urge him on, which are likely to cause terror, such as a 

 whip applied by another person, or load shouts. We 



