THE REASONED EQUITATION 



merely the finger-tips. The horse is thankful for a 

 generous caress with heart in it. 



On the other hand, the horse should not be 

 slapped too strongly. A nervous animal, especially, 

 is likely to interpret this as a reproof. 



Caressing by the voice is entirely a matter of 

 softness of tone. The animal has no idea whatever 

 of the meaning of the words. 



With the horse in motion, whether walking, 

 trotting, or galloping, whenever the rider feels it 

 becoming anxious at the sight of some object or- at 

 some noise, or hesitating before an obstacle to be 

 cleared, he commonly employs the voice to quiet or 

 encourage the animal, since the hands are busy with 

 the reins. But standing still, or whenever, in mo- 

 tion, the rider can manage the reins with one hand, 

 the free hand should caress the particular part of 

 the body which has obeyed the rider's signals or 

 been the chief factor in the movement. If the neck 

 has played the leading part, caress the neck. If the 

 croup, caress the haunches or loins. By this means 

 the horse is trained to associate the aids and signals 

 of the rider with the part of the body which is to 

 carry out the command. 



In general, a reward given during the act of 

 obedience is more effective than one administered 

 later. It is, therefore, often wise to repeat a move- 

 ment, already executed correctly, for the sake of 

 giving the caress during the actual performance. 

 But after a difficult movement, well performed, it 



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