EQUITATION AND HORSE TRAINING. 43 



The difference between shoulder in and two-track 

 work is analogous to that between haunches in and two- 

 track work. In the movement of shoulder in, if the 

 trooper eases the hands slightly, the horse, being bent 

 and not obliqued, will quit the track and start to make 

 a circle. If, in haunches out on two tracks, the trooper 

 eases the hands, the horse, being traversed and not bent, 

 quits the track and moves off at an oblique. 



About on the haunclies. — The about on the haunches 

 consists in causing the forehand to describe a half circle 

 around the haunches. It is a difficult movement and, 

 customary methods of instruction to the contrary not- 

 withstanding, should not be taken up until after the 

 completion of the exercises of haunches in and shoulder in. 



The first part of the movement is easy enough, but 

 the last part is difficult. Take for instance the right 

 about. Begin the movement like a change of direction 

 to the right, holding the haunches firmly with the left 

 leg. In the remainder of the exercise the controlling 

 aids are the left rein and the left leg. The left rein has 

 first a bearing effect that, assisted by the right rein, 

 swings the forehand on its path; thereafter, it has an 

 effect of diagonal traction, pulling the mass back upon 

 the right hock and thus holding the haunches stationary. 



The about on the haunches is executed on the inside 

 hind leg, the outside hind leg gaining ground around it. 



Lateral effect and diagonal effect. — The movements 

 that have been already executed with the rein and the 

 leo: on the same side suffice to show the difference 

 between the lateral effect and the diagonal effect. 



It is easy to see that the former is the means and that 

 the latter is the end in view. With young horses the 

 right rein comes to the assistance of the right leg — 

 lateral effect. With trained horses the rein places or 

 controls the forehand while the leg controls the haunches — 

 diagonal effect. 



