EQUITATION AND HOKSE ITIAINING. 65 



horse to pass from one set (position) to the other easily 

 and while advancing. 



Two-track work. — Two-track work at a slow trot on 

 the diagonal of the hall is another method of suppling the 

 hind quarters and bringing them under; it is an excellent 

 preliminary to the gallop lead. 



Halts, half-halts, and backing. — ^When the horse 

 moves freely and begins to be balanced and regular in 

 both gaits, the walk and trot, we must take up the ele- 

 ments of the assemble, w^hich is the gather perfected by 

 bringing the hind legs under. 



We begin by numerous halts, tJie action of the legs 

 always preceding the action of the hand, and by this means 

 alone the hind legs are gradually brought toward the 

 center. If at the moment of halting the horse is con- 

 tracted and endeavors to bore on the hand, the rider must 

 keep up his action and exact a step or two backward in 

 order to overcome all resistance. He must then promptl}^ 

 move the horse to the front again to avoid his sitting 

 down on the haunches. 



Half-halts are made according to the same principles, 

 but the opposition of the hand is less marked than in 

 halts. If the horse proves to be obedient, loosen the 

 fingers and extend him ; if, on the contrary, he resists the 

 half-halt, keep up the action of the aids to the halt or even 

 to backing. 



53521°— 10 5 



