268 



PRINCIPLES OF 



P. IX. 



exact situation in respect to the body which 

 was originally directed; but the position of 

 the body makes it operate lower or nearer to 

 the pommel of the saddle. In this situation, 

 the reins properly collected to retain and 

 support the horse, in a slow or short gallop, 

 you will feel the appui at every cadence, 

 light, obedient, and pleasant, or you will feel 

 the horse champ and play pleasantly on the 

 bit. 



Should the eagerness of the horse make 

 him desirous of going faster, you will feel the 

 appui stronger, inviting liberty, and trying to 

 force it. This it is in the power of any mid- 

 dling horseman to prevent. If however, you 

 permit him to increase his speed, give him a 

 little more liberty; and grant him that sup- 

 port which the extension you have allowed 

 requires, for the more a horse extends his 

 speed, the more support he takes from the 

 hand. By practice you will be able to dis- 

 cover what is the requisite support the horse 

 should have, and to check what he impro- 

 perly takes through eagerness or the habit he 



