THE SPANISH WALK 



rium during all movements, it becomes a most 

 valuable exercise for instilling the idea of the di- 

 agonal, as well as for making the horse energetic 

 and active at the other gaits. But when the Span- 

 ish walk is obtained by the aid of straps, whips, or 

 other devices, and is used only for show, the gait is 

 neither attractive to the onlooker nor beneficial to 

 the horse. In these circumstances, though it ele- 

 vates its front legs, it does not really advance upon 

 them in this position. Instead, it draws its fore legs 

 backward from their extended position and makes 

 only a half-step forward. Meanwhile, the hind legs 

 drag inactive; the head and neck take any sort of 

 position; and the rider's hand, at each step, jerks 

 up and down. The movement becomes a mere 

 grimace, performed under the direction of a rider 

 who knows no better. 



To teach the Spanish walk with the whip, the 

 trainer places the horse with its right side close to a 

 fence or wall, and taking the reins in his left hand, 

 touches the horse's left fore leg with the whip. It is 

 difficult to say at just what part of the limb the 

 whip should first make its effect. Some horses will 

 understand quicker if the pastern is touched. For 

 others, the best point is the back tendon, the shin, 

 the fore arm, or the knee. The rider must discover 

 the spot by trial; but the place once found, the first 

 touch of the whip should always be at that point. 



When the horse learns to raise its foot from the 

 ground at the contact of the whip, the trainer 



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