THE FLEXIONS 



between each pair of reins. The left hand operates 

 a progressive but continual tension upon the bit, 

 while the right hand corrects with the snaffle the 

 false position possible at the beginning and thus 

 secures the flexion at the atlas only. (Figure 12.) 

 The flexion is completed when the mouth is open. 



Finally, to obtain proof of the quality of my work 

 of flexions, the horse straight, the head up and light, 

 and yet in contact with my hands, I place myself 

 facing the horse, the left reins of snaffle and bit in 

 my right hand, the right reins in my left hand, and 

 by a progressive and moderate action of my two 

 hands, I obtain the direct flexion of mouth and 

 neck, the horse keeping the same position of body. 

 (Figure 13.) At the completion of the flexion, the 

 horse is upon the hand, with the lower jaw com- 

 pletely depressed. (Figure 14.) The flexions have 

 to be executed equally to the right and to the 

 left by the same principles, but by the opposite 

 means. 



In explaining above the principles of the flexions, 

 I have changed sides several times in order to make 

 it possible for the photographer to reproduce on 

 the plate the position of hands, reins, head, and 

 neck, so they will be more apparent to the reader. 



The next step is to secure lightness. The trainer 

 stands facing his horse, with the right snaffle rein 

 in his left hand, and the left rein in his right. By 

 repeated vibrations he raises progressively the head 

 and neck, until, after a few lessons, the horse re- 



83 



