THE FIRST WORK MOUNTED 



spurs, at the beginning ; I employ also spurs without 

 rowels, for the sake of accustoming the horse to 

 their use, to increase the effect of the legs, to ac- 

 celerate the speed, and to obtain the contact of its 

 jaw upon my hand. I am not satisfied with the walk 

 only. I ask also the trot, since this is oftentimes a 

 very great help in exercising and quieting the ani- 

 mal. 



Only after the aids of the legs are well under- 

 stood, so that I can always determine a free forward 

 movement, do I proceed to the reversed pirouette, 

 pirouette, and backing, for the mobilization of the 

 fore hand, the hind hand, and the body as a whole. 

 On the other hand, I begin the instruction of the 

 front hand by the flexions mounted, while my 

 control by my legs is still only partial, standing still, 

 at walk, and at trot. Thus, without difficulty, 

 restiveness, or rebellion, I arrive at the "in hand"; 

 and finally, after more and more polishing, at the 

 " assemblage. " 



Meanwhile, with the instruction of the horse, has 

 progressed the tact of the cavalier in using his aids. 



The various sorts of equitation employ many 

 different means for directing and training the horse. 

 The equitation raisonnee and the equitation savante 

 admit only three aids the hands, the legs, and 

 the seat. Cavessons, whips, and martingales, chir- 

 ruping with the tongue, caressings and punish- 

 ments, are only means for helping the animal to 

 comprehend the effects of these three. 



107 



