PLACING THE HORSE 



Therefore does the reasoned equitation accept as 

 sine qua non the two basal principles, "straight" 

 and " forward. " Indeed, if the horse is not straight, 

 it cannot go forward, but advances in the direction 

 in which the spine points. Then are the steps and 

 strides not equal, the coupling yields more to one 

 side than to the other, and carries with it the pelvis, 

 the haunches, and the hind legs. On the other 

 hand, when the spinal column is straight, the 

 coupling gives equally, the pelvis becomes the 

 center for the motion of the two hind legs, the 

 fore and hind parts of the body act in unison, 

 collection and assemblage become possible, and, 

 equilibrium being secured, the center of gravity 

 finds its natural place in the medial plane. In this 

 condition, strides, steps, and gaits become equal 

 and square, the horse suffers less fatigue and wear, 

 and continues in the best condition to develop its 

 natural and instinctive forces. 



Very few riders, amateurs or masters, are able to 

 put a horse exactly straight, and to keep it so 

 while they carry it forward or backward. Yet 

 nothing whatever can be done properly by a horse 

 which is not straight. 



FORWARD 



En avant, as the French say, means not only for- 

 ward, but in addition, the condition of the horse 

 when in contact with the bit and ready to advance 

 frankly and without hesitation at the effects of the 



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