Page:Notes on equitation and horse training.djvu/70

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Where should the training of the troop horse stop?—The training of the troop horse should stop after the gallop lead has been included. It is useless, or rather impossible to proceed further with the material available. A horse for the ranks, that goes straight and free at all gaits, that is easily handled in any direction and that takes the gallop lead readily on either foot, is in condition to satisfy all demands imposed in the service. But this elementary education is not sufficient to meet the requirements of an officer, who should always have a perfectly trained horse. It is therefore important to point out what movements will perfect and complete the animal's schooling.

The false gallop.—Galloping false is used as a means of lowering the croup, of balancing the horse and holding him in his gallop. There are no special instructions about leading with the outside foot; the only difficulty is to pass the corners without the horse becoming disunited. To avoid this, the haunches must be strongly supported by the inside leg and the horse must be held set by the outside rein (supporting rein) in order to free the shoulder on that side and keep it in the lead. In making a change of direction when galloping false, the hands should be slightly lowered (eased), so that the movements of the hind quarters will not be hampered and checked.

(It is also most important to forcibly keep up the gait. If allowed to slow up, the horse is almost certain to escape from the aids and change the lead.—The Board.)

Alternating the gallop at short intervals.—The gallop leads comprise all the essential principles of training: Setting the head, the neck, the shoulders, and the