BACKING. 121 



straight line with the shoulders, in order to 

 preserve the necessary transferring of the 

 forces and weight. 



To commence the movement, the rider 

 ought first to assure himself that the 

 haunches are on a line with the shoulders, 

 and the horse light in hand ; then he will 

 slowly close his legs, in order that the action 

 which they will communicate to the hind 

 parts of the horse may make him lift one of 

 his hind legs, and prevent the body from 

 yielding before the neck. It is then that the 

 immediate pressure of the bit, forcing the 

 horse to regain his equilibrium behind, will 

 produce the first part of the backing. As 

 soon as the horse obeys, the rider will instant- 

 ly give the hand to reward the animal, and 

 not to force the play of his fore parts. If his 

 croup be displaced, the rider will bring it back 

 by means of his leg, and if necessary, use 

 for this purpose the snaffle-rein on that side. 

 11 



