3o8 SCHOOL BREAKING. 



diminishing the interval of time between the steps, we 

 shall at last arrive at the Spanish walk. While using 

 the whip we should face the horse and walk backwards, 

 and shall at each step turn his head to the side of the 

 leg which is at that moment on the ground. When 

 mounted we should apply the same aids as we did for the 

 extension of a fore leg, and having obtained it, should 

 make the animal go forward by the action of the legs, 

 and, if necessary, by " clicking," which we should dispense 

 with as soon as practicable. We must bear in mind that 

 at each step there should be a change of aids. 



The Spanish trot. — The only difference between the 

 Spanish trot and the Spanish walk is that of pace. At 

 the Spanish trot there should, if possible, be a moment 

 of suspension (all four feet off the ground at the same 

 time) between each step, so as to give brilliance to the 

 air. The transition between the walk and the trot in 

 this case is made by increasing the effect of the drawn- 

 back left heel when the horse extends his off fore to the 

 front, and that of the right heel when he extends the 

 near fore. *' If, as almost always happens, the horse 

 moves one leg in a lazier fashion than the other, I work 

 only with it, which is the best way to act on the memory 

 of the horse, and to make him understand, by my touches of 

 the spur, that he moves this leg too indolently." (Fillis). 

 This great master of r equitation savante warns us to demand 

 from the horse, at first, only a few steps (not more than 

 four) of the Spanish trot, lest the animal may acquire the 

 habit of doing it in a listless and slovenly manner. 



