but so closely together that the intervals are imperceptible. Anyhow, they ought to be executed in the order I have indicated. If, for instance, the movement of the legs precedes ever so little that of the snaffle, the effect will be to make the horse go forward, which will be the opposite to what is wanted.

This method of stopping the horse is the best and should be the only one used. The halt should be made without concussion. It is then painless for the rider, saves the horse's loins and hocks, and is easy, because the hocks and pasterns bend. To stop himself, the horse acts simultaneously with all the parts of his body, makes no local effort, and preserves all the elasticity of his loins, which bend and become slightly concave. If we stop the horse only by the hand, and without the help of the legs, the forehand will become arched in order to resist the impulsion received, and will push back the hind quarters by a counter stroke in removing it from the centre. In this case the loins become stiff and convex. The shock which results is painful for the rider, and often dangerous on account of its violence, and is very bad for the horse, on whom it inflicts pain in his mouth, shoulders, loins, and fetlocks.

A halt, no matter how sudden it may be, should be smooth ; if it is not so, it is badly executed.

The halt ought to be done by the same means at every pace. It is, of course, understood that the faster the speed, the more difficult is the halt, and the more should the rider lean back.

The horse ought not only stop himself as quickly as his rider wishes, but should also remain standing still as long as he is required, wherever he may be. It is somewhat difficult to make an impatient, nervous, or excitable horse stand still at this time. We should calm him down, so as to gradually accustom him to his surroundings. We should begin in the school when we are alone, and should pat him on the neck and