CONTRACTION 



CONTRACTION 



A HORSE is instinctively timid and anxious, even in 

 a state of freedom; and this nervous tension tends 

 to affect the muscles and to cause these to contract 

 and stiffen beyond their normal tonus. 



This contraction is likely to be augmented during 

 the animal's education. Its four senses are very 

 acute, and the unaccustomed objects which sur- 

 round it keep it chronically alarmed. The harness 

 also, and the contact of the rider, with his various 

 effects, and all the various checks and impediments 

 of the domestic life, tend, until the horse becomes 

 wonted to them, still further to increase its nervous 

 alarm. To relieve this state of contraction is one 

 task of the horseman. 



Whether this state of anxiety and contraction is 

 treated properly or improperly determines in large 

 measure the future temper of the mount. The well- 

 disposed animal will always be ready to obey as 

 soon as it understands what the rider wants of it. 

 Moreover, until the horse begins to contract itself, 

 it cannot resist. But this contraction is easily de- 

 tected by the rider, through his seat, legs, and hand. 

 If the rider is inexperienced, he tries to counteract 

 this while the horse is in motion. The abler rider, 

 on the other hand, immediately stops the horse and 

 relieves the contraction. When this is completely 

 at an end, he once more sends the animal forward, 

 properly supple. 



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