reins,^[1] i.e., by the hand of the rider. In this manner the horse learns to go forward without leaning on the bit, and is then perfectly light, in the same way as we ought to make him later on when he is mounted. The work which I have just described not only prepares the mouth of the horse in an admirable manner, but also makes the hand of the rider skilful. There is no doubt that it is easier to make the jaw supple when standing still than during movement ; but there is the risk of making him keep behind the bit, which inconvenience, or rather danger, is avoided when going forward (Fig. 4). I insist on this point ; because, if the work of loosening the jaw during movement is certainly longer and more difficult, it guards us against the great danger of putting the horse behind the bit, which is always the inevitable result of the first flexions. Therefore, take your time and do well.

Although, as a rule, I maintain that it is of the greatest importance for the whole of this work to be done when going forward, I am obliged to admit that it would be impossible or at least extremely fatiguing to do it with certain horses which throw themselves suddenly on the hand, or which have their heads too low. Personally, I have never found these faults carried to such an extent that I have been unable to obtain direct flexion and relaxation of the jaw while going forward.

If the work is stationary, we should take the utmost care to prevent, at all hazards, the horse from getting behind his bit. If he reins back ever so little, we should immediately send him forward by touching him on the side with the whip, while holding the end of the snaffle reins in the left hand (Fig. 4). If the horse stretches out his hind legs behind, or his fore legs