72 METHOD OF HORSEMANSHIP. 



precision of his movements. The equili- 

 brium of the whole body is perfect, and its 

 lightness complete, when the head and neck 

 remain of themselves easy, pliable, and 

 graceful. On the contrary, there can be no 

 elegance, no ease of the whole, when these 

 two parts are stiff. Preceding the body of 

 the horse in all its impulsions, they ought 

 to give warning, and show by their attitude 

 the positions to be taken, and the move- 

 ments to be executed. The rider has no 

 power so long as they remain contracted 

 and rebellious ; he disposes of the animal at 

 will, when once they are flexible and easily 

 handled. If the head and neck do not first 

 commence the changes of direction, if in 

 circular movements they are not inclined in 

 a curved line, if in backing they do not 

 bend back upon themselves, and if their 

 lightness is not always in harmony with 

 the different paces at which we wish to go, 



