ROCKING THE HAUNCHES. 249 



transferred to the right leg, and the horse naturally comes down 

 on that side, while separating the right leg from the left. 



Having obtained this first step, I demand a second one from 

 the left leg, by employing similar means. I have then one 

 time for one leg, and another time for the other leg, and to 

 connect them I have got only to bring them together and to 

 put them into harmony. The separation of the legs will 

 naturally be in proportion to the action of the hands. 



The action of the legs of the rider is the same as that for 

 the extension of the animal's legs, but it ought to be simul- 

 taneous on both sides, so as to prevent the rocking of the 

 croup. 



In a short time we will obtain the alternate rocking of the 

 forehand to the right and to the left. 



We ought not to require a great separation of the fore legs 

 until the rocking is very regular. The wider the separation, 

 the slower, softer and more graceful is the movement. We 

 can easily succeed in getting a separation of forty inches, and 

 sometimes of five feet. 



The rocking of the forehand is made on one spot, and it can 

 also be made while advancing, in which case it is more grace- 

 ful, and has the advantage of not prompting a horse to get 

 behind his bit ; but it is much more difficult, because we must 

 add forward propulsion to the other actions I have just 

 described. 



ROCKING THE HAUNCHES. 



This movement requires more tact, as regards the seat, than 

 the preceding one. To obtain it we should feel the reins very 

 lightly, and should make the horse take a light bearing on 

 the snaffle while pressing him down, so as to carry his weight 

 on his shoulders. As the haunches become lightened, their 

 mobility will be increased. 



We should take care to keep the horse stationary and very 



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