120 METHOD OF HORSEMANSHIP. 



to obtain that shifting and reshifting of 

 weight, which alone can make the execution 

 of this movement perfect ? If the impulsion 

 which, in backing, ought to come from the 

 fore parts, should pass over its proper limits, 

 the movement would become painful, im- 

 possible in fact, and occasion on the part 

 of the animal, sudden, violent movements 

 which are always injurious to his organiza- 

 tion. 



On the other hand, the displacements* of 

 the croup, by destroying the harmony which 

 should exist between the relative forces of 

 fore and hind parts, would also hinder the 

 proper execution of the backing. The pre- 

 vious exercise to which we have subjected 

 the croup will aid us in keeping it in a 



* These displacements of the croup mean sideway dis- 

 placement, or the horse's croup not being in a line with 

 the shoulders. TRANSLATOR. 



