376 THE HORSE 



and constant equilibrium, without a combination of opposite 

 forces, skilfully managed by the rider. In the reversed pivot 

 motion, for example, if when the horse shall have yielded to the 

 pressure of the leg, we continue to oppose the rein on the same 

 side on which we give the pressure of the leg, it is evident that 

 we shall overshoot the mark, since we shall be employing a 

 force which has become useless. We must then establish two 

 motive powers, which in effect balance each other, without in- 

 terfering ; this will be done by the tension of the rein on the 

 opposite side to that on which the leg acts in the pivot move- 

 ments. So, we must commence with the rein and the leg of 

 the same side ; when it is time to pass to the second part of 

 the work, we must employ the curb-rein in the left hand, and 

 finally the snaffle-rein opposite to the leg. The forces will 

 then be kept in a diagonal position, and in consequence, tlie 

 equilibrium natural, and the execution of the movement easy. 

 The liorse's head being turned to the side to which the croup is 

 moving, adds much to the gracefulness of the performance, 

 and aids the rider in regulating the activity of the haunches, 

 and keeping the shoulders in position. For the rest, practice 

 alone will teach him how to use the leg and the rein, in such a 

 way that their motions will mutually sustain, without at any 

 time counteracting one another. 



I need not observe, that during the whole of this exercise, 

 as on all occasions, the neck should remain supple and light ; 

 the head in position, perpendicular, and the jaw movable. 

 While the bridle hand keeps them in this proper position, the 

 right hand, with the aid of the snaffle, is combating the lateral 

 resistances, and determining the different inclination, until the 

 horse is sufficiently well broken to obey a simple pressure of the 

 bit. If, when combating the contraction of the croup, we per- 

 mitted the horse to throw its stiffness into the fore parts, our 

 efforts would be vain, and the fruit of our first labors lost. On 

 the contrary, w^e shall facilitate the subjection of the hind parts, 

 by preserving the advantages we have already acquired over 

 the fore parts, and by preventing those contractions we have 

 yet to combat from acting in combination. 



The leg of the rider opposite to that which determines the 

 rotation of the croup, must not be kept away from his side 



