MOBILIZATIONS MOUNTED 



BACKING 



MOTION backwards is not a gait, but merely one of 

 the three movements which the horse executes by 

 carrying rearward its center of gravity, and con- 

 sequently a part of its weight. 



The movement has given rise, among methodists, 

 to a great diversity of theories, more or less im- 

 practical and absurd. Some writers recommend 

 having two men to teach the action, one in the 

 saddle, who pulls alternately on the reins, the other 

 on foot, who touches chest or knees with a whip. 

 Others advocate having the rider dismount, and, 

 facing the horse's head, take one rein in each hand, 

 and push backward, first on one and then on the 

 other. If the horse does not then back, the trainer 

 steps on the horse's fore feet as he gives the tug 

 at the reins. What confusion! There is no real 

 principle. How can one write concerning an art 

 without greater knowledge of it! 



It must be evident that, in order to make the 

 horse back, the rider must carry backwards the 

 center of gravity. Then, whenever a hind leg leaves 

 the ground, it must go to the rear to receive the 

 weight, which otherwise tends to fall backwards. 

 If, at the same time, the rider's hand indicates to 

 the horse that it cannot go forward, a front leg must 

 follow the hind leg in diagonal. This makes the first 

 step. To repeat the same effects of hand and legs 

 obtains the second step. 



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