in hand is to give him a fine carriage, which no doubt is valuable, but is its smallest advantage. Equilibrium, which is the result of getting the horse in hand, gives mobility, namely, the facility of instantly doing, without effort or fatigue, every required movement at all paces. Also, this equilibrium keeps the horse sound during severe work ; because it requires from each part of the horse only those efforts which come naturally to him. We thus avoid wearing the animal out prematurely ; because no special strain is put on any particular organ.

If army horses were sufficiently suppled by a first course of breaking, and if the soldiers who ride them understood equestrian equilibrium, and knew how to take advantage of opportunities, our cavalry would gain in appearance, firmness of seat, and staying power. The men would have more confidence in themselves and their horses, and they would be more active, more skilful and more energetic. The horses would stand more work, and they and the government budget would be relieved from needless expense.

We must not think that the horse should be always kept in hand. I certainly do not advise that this should be done the whole time one is hacking, hunting, foraging or charging. So far from that, I am the resolute enemy of keeping the horse always collected. We should know how to be able to get the horse in hand, whenever we wish to do so, and at all paces ; but only from time to time, and when occasion demands. It is of the utmost necessity at certain moments of difficulty, as, for instance, when we think the horse is going to play up, and when the animal, from fatigue, softness of constitution, or some other cause, goes in a lumbering, unconnected manner. Getting him into hand restores his balance and is of great use in every respect.

As I have already said, all horses can be got into hand, but only some are sufficiently well shaped to be rassemblé'd.