THE SADDLE-HORSE 



one sees constantly winners in show-rings which 

 have not really and properly cantered a yard, 

 their nearest approach to that feat being a more 

 or less slow gallop, in which they change their 

 lead (if indeed they do change) by " main strength 

 and stupidity," and not because they are properly 

 educated or really proficient. Changing the lead- 

 ing leg in cantering " figure eights " is not enough 

 proof of a really trained " saddler." Any horse, 

 which is supposed to be A i, should change his 

 lead at his rider's will in straight going ; do it 

 properly and cheerfully, with hind legs well 

 under, face perpendicular, balance perfect, mouth 

 light, and cadence exact. The collected canter is 

 very trying, and if one lead is regularly used, the 

 hind leg of that side is sure to finally go wrong in 

 the hock, or at other weak points. 



Horses are imitative to a wonderful degree, 

 and a youngster- can have no worse mentor than 

 a calm, sluggish " old un," which saunters along 

 at all paces, and is never in a hurry ; while the 

 elder's improvement can only be accomplished by 

 most diligent forcing into his bridle, riding him 

 every yard by knee, calf, spur, and voice, literally 

 "making him over again" if the job is not aban- 

 doned in disgust before completion. 



147 



