THE SCIENTIFIC EQUITATION 



movements, which are, indeed, proof of its good 

 manners. They are, moreover, no disadvantage 

 for a promenade horse which is to be ridden by 

 the same esquire who trained it; though the results 

 are most distressing to a rider of less equestrian 

 tact. 



THE WALK OF MANEGE 



THE walk of manege is simply a very slow walk, 

 well cadenced, the steps equal and regular, and 

 with the action of the legs less forward, but very 

 much higher than in the ordinary walk. 



It cannot be obtained except under the most per- 

 fect equilibrium, while the fingering must be even 

 more precise than for the piaffer and the backward 

 trot, which are derived from it. The rider's legs 

 must maintain the center of gravity always exactly 

 between the forces of the front and rear limbs, not 

 allowing it the least motion from side to side, but 

 only up and down with the step. The seat must 

 be especially accurate, and the contact absolutely 

 permanent. The least alteration of the balance will 

 change the walk to the trot, if forward, or, if back- 

 ward, will stop the horse. 



To obtain the walk of manege, the rider gradually 

 diminishes the speed of the ordinary walk, keeping 

 the state of equilibrium as complete as possible. 

 By the effects of opposition coupled with great 

 accuracy of seat, and by the diagonal effect re- 

 peated in tempo, he asks slower and slower steps, 



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