THE REASONED EQUITATION 



trainer will correct the fault by carrying forward 

 the reins. But if the horse merely lifts the right 

 hind leg, showing neither fear nor impatience, then 

 the trainer is satisfied and rewards the action with 

 caresses. After a brief relaxation, the action is re- 

 peated from the beginning. 



Sooner or later, however, the animal, instead of 

 merely lifting the right foot, will, in addition, carry 

 it to the left, under the body, and set it down more 

 or less in front of the left foot. In that position, 

 before the right hind foot can be lifted again, the 

 left hind foot must also gain ground leftward. 

 (Figure 15.) 



This is the first step of the reversed pirouette, 

 the beginning of the mobilization of the hind hand. 

 In a short while, the horse comes to understand that 

 when its right flank is touched with the whip, it is 

 to lift the right foot and step toward the left. After 

 the first step, the second, third, and fourth are 

 readily obtained in the same way. Four such steps, 

 done in proper cadence, are enough. More will 

 disturb the support of the front legs, and will 

 distress the horse, since they are against its natural 

 conformation. 



Meanwhile, of course, the horse will have lost 

 the "in hand" position. The only remedy is 

 patience, perseverance, and quality of work. You, 

 Master, are the instructor. You are teaching to 

 your pupil the alphabet of locomotion. On this 

 foundation, your pupil may, in time, become a most 



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