240 HIGH-SCHOOL RIDING. 



ward pull causes the neck to be straightened. The head is 

 consequently placed in a wrong and ungraceful position. 



Instead of pulling the horse forward, it is far better to press 

 him up with the legs. Therefore we can teach the Spanish 

 walk only when mounted. 



Having obtained the first two steps on foot, we should 

 mount, and try to do the work I have just explained. 



My plan is as follows ; I hold the curb reins and the left rein 

 of the snaffle in my left hand, and the right rein of the snaffle 

 and the whip in my right hand. 



Having stopped the horse, I take a sufficient hold of the 

 snaffle to keep the head and neck high, and being on the left 

 hand, I try to get the first step with the right leg. Having 

 the wall on my right, I am certain that the horse cannot place 

 himself sideways when I try with my left leg, to make him 

 raise his right leg ; but if I were to try to make him raise his 

 left leg, my right leg would force his croup round to the left. 



I carry my hands to the left, and I strongly close my left 

 leg, which is helped later on by the spur. 



The right rein of the snaffle is drawn tighter than the left 

 rein, and both legs are kept close to the girths, so as to prevent 

 the horse reining back ; the left leg having a much stronger 

 pressure than the right. The effect of the reins is to put 

 almost all the weight of the forehand on the left shoulder. 

 The left leg of the rider should now make the horse raise his 

 right leg, for which object, having the whip pointed down- 

 wards, I lightly touch him several times on the right shoulder, 

 while continuing to keep up his head with the right snaffle 

 rein. 



Being ignorant of what I want him to do, the horse will 

 always become impatient ; therefore, we should make our 

 demands on him in a very gentle manner. Nevertheless, we 

 should keep on at him until he raises his leg. As soon as he 

 makes the slightest movement with his right leg, we should 



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