THE SCIENTIFIC EQUITATION 



figure that the horse's education shall be somewhat 

 advanced, in order that the curve of the spine may 

 conform to that of the path. When, in addition to 

 this, the flexion has to reverse with each new circle, 

 the difficulty is much increased, so that the figure 

 demands great suppleness in, and perfect collection 

 on the part of, the horse, and for the rider an eques- 

 trian tact sufficient to enable him to reverse his 

 effects at each change of circle without disturbing 

 the equilibrium of his mount. 



The figure eight has been a great deal used for 

 suppling the horse, and is still employed for this 

 purpose by modern teachers and in military schools. 

 The scientific equitation, however, comes to it only 

 after the horse is completely suppled. Inexperi- 

 enced trainers often utilize the figure to teach a 

 horse to change lead; and this method is harmless 

 and practical. Judges at horse shows have the 

 competitors execute the figure eight in order to dis- 

 cover the degree of suppleness and training of the 

 horses. It serves also as a test for the side and the 

 limb affected by lameness. 



SHOULDER-IN 



SHOULDER- IN is an old air of manege, in which the 

 horse moves sidewise. It differs from the half- 

 passage in that it is performed in lateral, whereas 

 the half-passage is in diagonal. The name is a mis- 

 nomer. Possibly it arose from the fact that in exe- 

 cuting the figure the horse is usually headed to- 



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