258 HIGH-SCHOOL RIDING 



replace him in the position he previously occupied, and keep 

 him in it until he remains in it without trying to get 

 out of it. 



I have often seen horses which had been taught the 

 Spanish walk use it subsequently as a defence. To every 

 demand they replied by extending their legs without moving 

 on. This was caused by their being taught artificial airs 

 too soon. Before coming to them, the horse should be very 

 supple and should be absolutely obedient in all natural 

 movements. 



Young breakers generally wish to go too fast, and it 

 amuses them to see their horse extend his legs. When 

 he does it, even of his own initiative, they pat him on the 

 neck, and are astonished later on at not being able to get 

 him to do something else which they ask him. 



It is easy to understand that a horse will use the Spanish 

 walk as a defence, when the order of the breaking is faulty. 

 In fact, when we teach him this movement we force him to 

 bear the spur, while remaining stationary. This is the great 

 danger in all breaking, because, if a horse has not been 

 at first accustomed to go freely forward on being touched 

 with the spur, he extends the leg, or leans on the spur. 

 Before teaching a horse to bear tlie spur without moving 

 forward, we ought always be sure of being able to make him 

 go forward by means of the spur when we wish. 



It very often happens that a horse, through softness, uses as 

 a defence an air to which he is accustomed, but will never 

 use an air which requires great energy. As I have just said, 

 we should of course put him back into his old position, and 

 should prevent him from getting out of it.* 



* When a horse who knows how to do a thing very well, becomes obstinate 

 on some particular occasion, he should be taken in hand very resolutely and 

 reduced to obedience by every possible means. I advise the rider never to yield ; 

 for if he does so, the animal will quickly understand that it he wants to be 



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