82 METHOD OF HORSEMANSHIP. 



with it the flexion of the neck, and accele- 

 rates the getting of the horse in hand. 



This exercise is the first of our attempts 

 to accustom the forces of the horse to yield 

 to ours. It is necessary then to manage it 

 very nicely, so as not to discourage him at 

 first. To enter on the flexion roughly 

 would be to shock the animal's intelligence, 

 who would not have had time to compre- 

 hend what was required of him. The op- 

 position of the hands will be commenced 

 gently but firmly, nor cease until perfect 

 obedience is obtained ; except, indeed, the 

 horse back against a wall, or into a corner ; 

 but it will diminish or increase its effect in 

 proportion to the resistance, in a way al- 

 ways to govern it, but not with too great 

 violence. The horse that, at first, will per- 

 haps submit with difficulty, will end by re- 

 garding the man's hand as an irresistible 



