Page:Notes on equitation and horse training.djvu/72

 be bullheaded; you must begin again and take up the analytical parts of the movement, going back to the simple gallop leads. By insisting too strongly you teach the horse to resist the reins and legs and destroy what lightness he may have acquired. Moreover, the horse's resistance proves that you are attempting the change of lead too soon and that he is not yet up to it.

Continuation of training—Work at the slow trot—Gallop exercises.—Review the instructions given under Question XVIII on what concerns the trot and what has just been said about work at a gallop. Work at the slow trot on the three lines will develop the strength and suppleness of the horse; alternating gallop leads with short intervals, exacted from the trot, the walk, the halt, and when backing, will finally perfect his balance and obedience; he will then be well trained.

But this work must not be abused. Riding-hall work should be of short duration. The horse should be often taken out, galloped over good ground and jumped over obstacles. It must not be forgotten that the desirable qualities in an officer's mount are that he shall he perfectly willing, go perfectly straight, and remain perfectly calm, all of which qualities would disappear if he were kept constantly shut up in a riding hall, working at slow and shortened gaits.