Page:Equitation.djvu/410

 L'acculer has no English equivalent. It means the position taken by the horse's rear limbs when the animal, refusing to go forward at the effects of the rider's legs, throws too much of the weight on its hind feet.This position of the horse is the basis of all its defenses. For when the center of gravity is too far back, it then becomes possible for the animal to rear up, to kick, or to plant itself immovably on its fore legs and refuse to advance. It is easy to understand that, with the center of gravity too far back, the hind legs are so overloaded with the weight that they are no longer ready for the impulsion forward. In order to prevent the horse from taking this position, the rider's legs should always, and in all circumstances, in sending the horse forward, act in advance of his hands. Moreover, this action of the rider's legs should continue from the time when the forward movement is first obtained, until the horse is perfectly light in hand and all contractions have disappeared. By obtaining this lightness, the rider makes sure that his mount is not acculé. But a