CHAPTER XIX 

 THE FLEXIONS MOUNTED 



FOR the flexions mounted, the rider lays the two 

 reins of the bit on the horse's neck near the withers, 

 their length equal; and holds the snaffle reins, one 

 in each hand, with the free end of each passing 

 between the forefinger and the thumb. The elbows 

 are in contact with the body, but without stiffness. 

 The hands are at the same height as the elbows, 

 and, at most, three or four inches apart. The legs 

 are in contact, but make no effect. ' 



First, obtain contact with the bit. Immediately, 

 yield contact, by opening the fingers. Then close 

 the fingers, and again take contact. When you are 

 sure that you can make the contact when and how 

 you please, be satisfied for the present, dismount, 

 and continue the flexions on foot. The second les- 

 son of the same day repeats exactly the work of 

 the first. 



On the second day, mounted, take three minutes 

 to complete the contact, two mniutes for the fin- 

 gering, three minutes of fingering, two minutes of 

 contact. Dismount. 



On the third day, take, mounted, two minutes 

 of contact, three of fingering, two of contact, three 

 of fingering, interrupted by rests. Dismount. 



t For the fourth day, take one minute of contact 



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