OBJECTS OF LATERAL FLEXIONS. lOi 



the rider has no direct action on the shoulders. He acts only 

 on the neck through the mouth, and on the shoulders 

 through the neck. Lateral flexion, by strengthening and 

 binding all the parts together, places them in a state of 

 reciprocal dependence, which enables the rider to act on the 

 entire forehand. Without flexion, the fishing-rod, as I have 

 already said, will be held by the thin end ; that is to say, 



Fig. 33. —Correct lateral flexion. 



there will be a heavy head (because it is far from the centre 

 of gravity) at the end of a slack neck. The action of the 

 reins, instead of directing the mass, is therefore limited to 

 bringing the head towards the forehand, which remains fixed 

 on the ground, in proportion as the horse is on his shoulders. 



3. To preserve lightness in the changes of direction by the 

 flexion of the jaw. 



In all movements, impulsion makes a horse a single whole. 



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