close to the mouth, a snaffle rein, with which I push him back. I need hardly say that in this position the rein-back is very easy, the horse being on his forehand and his loins and hocks relieved. The hind feet, like those in front, will be easily raised instead of being dragged, and when the animal is pushed back by the snaffle he will not be able to arch himself.

We ought to be contented with two first steps to the rear, and should then pat him on the neck and bring him forward. We should frequently recommence this work, which is better than prolonging the rein-back, which at first will fatigue the horse, who, not having his loins and hocks suppled, will have his joints more or less stiff at this new work. The more we prolong the work, the less will we impress the memory of the horse ; because we do not stop to pat him on the neck and to make him understand that he has done well. Finally, we must bear in mind that all work which fatigues the horse discourages him, if he is not brought up to it by degrees and prepared by successive suppling lessons.

I never require from a horse more than ten or twelve steps when reining back, and I then bring him forward the same distance, while keeping him continually in hand. I never make him do this movement more than three or four times consecutively.

We rarely fail to obtain the rein-back by the means which I have described, and which should be invariably combined with great gentleness.

It sometimes happens that the horse refuses to rein back, either from stubbornness or from pain. I have seen horses resist all known means, even the most violent ones, which, unfortunately, are nearly always employed with these animals.

In such cases I stand directly facing the horse. I hold in each hand a snaffle rein close to the mouth, and I simply step