side on which the movement will be made. As the horse comes upon the ground where the traversing is to begin, he will be permitted to make one false step with the croup as he takes the position for the traverse, to be corrected at the second step in the movement. In the same way when he is put into the direct line he will be permitted to make one false step with the croup to preserve his balance, to be brought into the true gallop at the second step upon the new line. CHANGES IN THE GALLOP. It is agreed on all sides that the changes in the gallop are not only the most striking and important of all the movements, but that in them is also found the highest test of the skill of the rider. But hardly any two authorities have agreed upon the method by which this is to be taught, and few can be found who hold the same opinion as to the best manner of making the trained horse change in the gallop. I have never had any faith in the method so usually accepted, even by the highest authority, of teaching the horse to gallop by a false method, to afterwards substitute a better one in demanding his performance of that pace. If the fore-hand of the horse is lightened by bringing back its forces, that side will be the lighter from which we demand the most; and to make the horse lead with the one side or the other is simply to make the hand act more upon the side from which we desire the highest action. If, then, we wish to gallop with the right side of the horse giving the extended strides, we should make play with the bit upon that side of his fore-hand, and bring his croup around with the pressure of the left leg. The horse will then lead off as desired, with his head in the proper position, and there will be nothing to correct. Although the direct rein has been, before this time, used to teach the gallop, it is for the purpose of pulling the shoulders in so that the horse, his croup being brought around by the opposite spur, will not be able to take leg. the extended step with the outside Although this accomplishes the object, it gives cramped and ungraceful action. I believe that the theory I advance is original with me, and I know that it gives the best results, for it is the method that Baucher and other great authorities use after the horse has been taught by some ruder means. To make a horse lead with a certain side, therefore, the direct rein will make play, supported by the opposing leg. At first the horse will be made to gallop in the line, then in circles, gradually diminishing in diameter, always leading with the leg of the side to which he is going. When the horse will answer to the aids, and will lead with either leg, as may be required, without hesitation or blundering, the rider will turn him from a circle to the right or the left, to one on the other hand, applying, quickly but without violence, the hand as the fore-feet finish the first part, the leg as the hind-feet finish the last part of the gallop in the old direction. When this has been accomplished without destroying or interfering with the cadences of the gait, it will be a mere matter of practice to make the changes at any finished step in the direct line. TO STOP IN THE GALLOP. While it is only in the gallop in equilibrium that the horse can be |
