Page:Notes on equitation and horse training.djvu/47

 Two track movements with the haunches in or out are very fatiguing to the young horse and should not be prolonged beyond a few steps. Undue persistence in these movements would make a horse refuse; he would strike his fetlocks while stepping across and would sooner or later resist in order to escape the pain caused by these repeated blows.

(2) On the diagonal of the hall—Advantage of this exercise.—Movements of the haunches should be repeated on the diagonal of the hall (while changing hands) and in half turns. Two track work on the diagonal of the hall makes a perfect lesson. Any tendency to slacken the gait is avoided, and the horse takes to this exercise more willingly than to that on the track because it is easier and there is less chance of striking the fetlocks in cross stepping.

In two track work, do not persist in a movement poorly begun or poorly executed. If the horse frets, dances, or backs, put him on a straight line again, quiet him, and then return to the two track lesson.

(3) On a circle.—Two track work on a circle is executed on the same principles. The following remarks are pertinent:

(a) Haunches out on two tracks on a circle puts the horse into his bridle and upon his forehand. He supports himself to a great extent on the forelegs and lightens the hind quarters which, having a longer route to travel, derive more benefit.

This movement should be used for horses that hang back, or that have too much weight on the hind quarters.

(b) Haunches in, on two tracks on a circle produces effects diametrically opposite. It is a special exercise for suppling the forehand and should be used for horses that have too much weight on the shoulders.