THE ARMY HORSE. 229 



finish this elementary and special breaking with any kind 

 of horse. 



After these three months of preparatory work, the properly 

 called breaking has to be undertaken. 



FIRST MONTH. 



Tirst fortnight. Begin by lunging the saddled and bridled 

 horse at a trot. Gradually increase the speed, by means of 

 the driving whip, so as to make him get his hind legs under 

 him. Press him up to his full speed for a few minutes, while 

 taking great care not to let him over exert himself , because, 

 in that case, he would put too much weight on his shoulders, 

 or break into a canter. This work should continue for five 

 minutes to each side. 



Ride the horse quietly at a walk for a quarter of an hour, 

 so as to accustom his back to the saddle, without hurting it. 



Lead the horse for ten minutes ; practise the direct flexion ; 

 make him turn on his forehand ; and rein him back. 



Lead him for an hour in the school, or, preferably, in the 

 open if the weather is fine.* 



Second fortnight. Similar lunging. Begin the changes of 

 direction by voltes, and diagonal changes of hand, and going 

 down the centre. 



Teach the horse to yield to the heel. At the beginning, 

 be content with two or three steps. 



Finish with work by the hand. 



SECOND MONTH. 



Lunge at the trot for two minutes on each side. Ride. 

 Repeat the preceding exercises. Divide the horses into twos 

 and fours. Accustom them to cross each other in every 

 direction. Frequently pull them up, so as to teach them 



* This remark applies to the entire period of breaking. 



Digitized by Microsoft® 



