Notes on equitation and horse training/Question 18
XVIII.
Work at the slow trot.—In one of the first answers we mentioned the utility of the trot and explained the advantages in training resulting from the use of this gait. We can only repeat here what we have said before—the slow trot especially gives excellent results in the last stages of training. Suppling exercises for the haunches, shoulders, and jaw, when executed at this gait produce rapid progress in the horse; they increase his strength and suppleness by forcing him to acquire and preserve his balance.
Small circles.—Small circles lower the horse's croup; the inside hock is necessarily brought under and the outside shoulder is developed because it has a greater distance to travel. Moreover, this work on a restricted circle enables the rider to set a horse that experiences difficulty in bending the body and it aids in breaking up the contraction of the horse that pulls too hard on the hand.
Small circles should be rarely used with horses that hang back, for it is to be noted that on the circle they are especially prone to get behind the bit. Nor should turns be used too much with young horses with blemished or worn-out hocks. As for the aids to be used, it depends upon whether the horse has a tendency to let the haunches swing out or the reverse—to let them drag inside. In the first case the inside rein and the outside leg should predominate; in the second case the important aids will be the inside rein and leg.
Serpentines.—Serpentines produce about the same results as small circles, but in addition they accustom the
horse to pass from one set (position) to the other easily and while advancing.
Two-track work.—Two-track work at a slow trot on the diagonal of the hall is another method of suppling the hind quarters and bringing them under; it is an excellent preliminary to the gallop lead.
Halts, half-halts, and backing.—When the horse moves freely and begins to be balanced and regular in both gaits, the walk and trot, we must take up the elements of the assemble, which is the gather perfected by bringing the hind legs under.
We begin by numerous halts, the action of the legs always preceding the action of the hand, and by this means alone the hind legs are gradually brought toward the center. If at the moment of halting the horse is contracted and endeavors to bore on the hand, the rider must keep up his action and exact a step or two backward in order to overcome all resistance. He must then promptly move the horse to the front again to avoid his sitting down on the haunches.
Half-halts are made according to the same principles, but the opposition of the hand is less marked than in halts. If the horse proves to be obedient, loosen the fingers and extend him; if, on the contrary, he resists the half-halt, keep up the action of the aids to the halt or even to backing.