FLEXIONS OF THE JAW. 361 



process of his education, and accelerate the development of his 

 intelligence. Should the horse, by reason of his restless or wild 

 nature, become very unruly, we should have recourse to the 

 cavesson, as a means of repressing his disordei'ly movements, 

 and use it with little jerks. I would add, that it requires great 

 prudence and discernment to use it with tact and moderation. 



The flexions of the jaw, as well as the two flexions of the 

 neck which follow, are executed standing still, by the man on 

 foot. The horse must be brought out to the ground saddled and 

 bridled, with the reins on his neck. The man will first see that 

 the bit is properly placed in the horse's mouth, and that the 

 curb-chain is fastened so that he can introduce his finger between 

 the links and the horse's chin. Then looking the animal good- 

 naturedly in the eyes, he will place himself before him near his 

 head, holding his body straight and firm, planting his feet a 

 little way apart in order to steady himself, and enable him to 

 struggle advantageously against all resistances. 



In order to execute the flexion to the right, the man should 

 take hold of the right curb-rein with the right hand, at about 

 six inches from the branch of the bit, and the left rein with the 

 left hand, at only three inches from the left branch. He must 

 then draw his right hand towards his body, pushing out his left 

 hand so as to turn the bit in the horse's mouth. The force 

 employed ought to be entirely determined by and proportioned 

 to the resistance of the jaw and neck, and of these only, so as 

 not to affect the rest of his body. If the horse back, to avoid 

 the flexion, the opposition of the hands should still be continued. 

 If the preceding exercise have been completely and carefully 

 practised, it will be easy by the aid of the whip to prevent this 

 retrograde movement, which is a great obstacle to all kinds of 

 flexions of the jaw and neck. Figure 1. 



So soon as the flexion is obtained, the left hand will let the 

 left rein slip to the same length as the right, then drawing the 

 two reins equally, will bring the head near to the breast, and 

 hold it there oblique and perpendicular, until it sustains itself 

 without assistance in this position. The horse, by champing the 

 bit, will show that he is in hand as well as perfectly submissive. 

 The man, to reward him, will cease drawing on the reins imme- 



