THE FLEXIONS MOUNTED 



of the neck to one side or the other follows the 

 direct flexion of the mouth. If the flexion of the 

 neck interferes with that of the mouth, the flexion 

 has no meaning, and the rider who accepts this 

 condition creates an asymmetry of the neck which 

 is reflected throughout the entire body. 



If the horse, at the beginning of the flexion of 

 the neck to either side, throws its haunches toward 

 the other, put it straight again, first by ceasing the 

 flexion, and then by slight pressure of the legs. Do 

 not, however, under any condition, kick. 



Fillis is entirely logical when he objects to be- 

 ginning the flexions of the neck before the animal 

 understands the separate effects of the legs. I was 

 myself of the same opinion until I experimented 

 successfully with several horses at the beginning of 

 their training. It is all a question of progression, 

 of moderation in demands, and of perseverance. 

 Without the least doubt it is possible to flex de pied 

 ferme, without the help of the legs. I recognize, 

 however, a difficulty, and to meet this I have ad- 

 vised placing the horse near a wall when the lateral 

 position is being taught, in order that the presence 

 of the barrier may help to keep the haunches 

 straight. We have to consider, also, that the great 

 masters of the art, because of their equestrian 

 tact, are able to omit from their own training 

 the work on foot. Nevertheless, they were them- 

 selves obliged to employ this at the beginning 

 of their professional careers; they accept it as es- 



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