102 



PRINCIPLES OF 



P. V. 



and his whip shifted. Then collecting his 

 reins and taking one rein in the right hand, 

 he must close his legs to request the horse to 

 move forward in the walk, and till he makes 

 this request the horse should not be permitted 

 to advance. 



As soon as the horse begins to move, the 

 legs are to resume their former position, — the 

 hands are to remain perfectly steady, — the 

 body is to yield to the movements of the 

 horse. The walk is begun at a slow rate, as 

 this prevents confusion, and by the etiquette 

 of the riding house it is directed to the right 

 hand first. 



The excellence of the walk depends on that 

 degree of union which supports the horse's 

 head, and raises his feet without shortening 

 or retarding the step ; and that degree of 

 animation which quickens the step, and 

 sharpens the beats, without falsifying the 

 time or altering the action. The perfection 

 of the walk therefore is, an animated quick 

 step, measuring exact distances, and mark- 



