CHAPTER VIII. HIGH-SCHOOL RIDING.

The Spanish walk — Reversed pirouette on three legs — Reversed and ordinary pirouettes with the feet crossed — Reining back without reins — Rocking the forehand — Rocking the haunches — Spanish trot— Shoulder-in at the canter — Pirouettes at the canter — Changes of leg at each stride — Changes of leg without gaining ground — Piaffers and passages — Differences between the passage and Spanish trot — Serpentine at the Trot — Canter on three legs — Passage to the rear — See-saw piaffer — Canter without gaining ground and canter to the rear — New school movements — School horse for ladies.

The exercises which we are going to consider are the sequel and perfected product of those which have been described. These high-school exercises, as, for instance, the Spanish trot, are more difficult, less used, and are artificial ; but the others, like the canter, are natural.

I have often heard it said that high-school work ruins horses and prematurely makes them unsound.

It is constantly said : " How is it possible for an animal to do such severe work without knocking himself to pieces ? " The answer is very simple : Professional gymnasts also go through extremely severe exertion. Are they in bad condition ? Are their arms, legs and shoulders spoiled ? On the contrary, they are in a state of grand condition which distinguishes them from everyone else. Their muscles stand out and are as hard as steel, and their general health is perfect. No doubt, if they began their work abruptly — I speak of