HINTS ON STARTING. 131 



should first assure ourselves of his light- 

 ness, that is to say of his head being per- 

 pendicular, his neck flexible, his hind parts 

 straight and plumb. The legs will then be 

 closed lightly, to give the body the impulse 

 necessary to move it. But we should not, 

 in accordance with the precepts of the old 

 method, give the bridle hand at the same 

 time ; for then the neck, being free from all 

 restraint, would lose its lightness, would 

 contract, and render the motion of the hand 

 powerless. The rider will remember that 

 his hand ought to be to the horse an insur- 

 mountable barrier, whenever he would leave 

 the position of ramener. Then the animal 

 will never attempt it, without pain ; and 

 only within our limit will he find ease and 

 comfort. By the application of my method, 

 the rider will be led to guide his horse at all 

 times with the reins half tight, except when 



