Notes on equitation and horse training/Question 20
XX.
Where should the training of the troop horse stop?—The training of the troop horse should stop after the gallop lead has been included. It is useless, or rather impossible to proceed further with the material available. A horse for the ranks, that goes straight and free at all gaits, that is easily handled in any direction and that takes the gallop lead readily on either foot, is in condition to satisfy all demands imposed in the service. But this elementary education is not sufficient to meet the requirements of an officer, who should always have a perfectly trained horse. It is therefore important to point out what movements will perfect and complete the animal's schooling.
The false gallop.—Galloping false is used as a means of lowering the croup, of balancing the horse and holding him in his gallop. There are no special instructions about leading with the outside foot; the only difficulty is to pass the corners without the horse becoming disunited. To avoid this, the haunches must be strongly supported by the inside leg and the horse must be held set by the outside rein (supporting rein) in order to free the shoulder on that side and keep it in the lead. In making a change of direction when galloping false, the hands should be slightly lowered (eased), so that the movements of the hind quarters will not be hampered and checked.
(It is also most important to forcibly keep up the gait. If allowed to slow up, the horse is almost certain to escape from the aids and change the lead.—The Board.)
Alternating the gallop at short intervals.—The gallop leads comprise all the essential principles of training: Setting the head, the neck, the shoulders, and the
haunches, bringing the hind legs under and moving to the front. This very complexity shows their importance. It will therefore be readily understood that gallop leads, alternated at short intervals, will rapidly perfect the young horse's training and, moreover, that this is the best method of paving the way for the lesson of change of lead.
Change of lead.—Change of lead is nothing more than exacting the gallop lead when the horse is at the gallop. It is the most difficult of leads and must not be attempted until the horse is thoroughly confirmed in the gallop lead from the trot and walk. If the lesson of change of lead is given too soon or if the rider is too exacting at first the horse will slow up and become uncertain in gait. He will learn the trick of holding back and especially of galloping disunited; hence, all the benefit of preceding lessons will be lost.
To bring the horse up to the change of lead, gradually decrease the intervals between the alternate leads exacted from the slow trot. The set of the horse must be changed before he returns to the trot. Thus, for instance, if the horse is galloping right, set him with the left diagonal, effect (right leg and left supporting rein). The change of set causes the horse to balance himself and brings him down to the trot (where he feels steadier), but if the lower aids continue to force the gait the horse will take the gallop with the left lead.
This is the analysis of the change of lead. Little by little the length of time of the intermediate trot is diminished until the change of lead in the air is obtained.
The lesson of change of lead can be given on the track of the riding hall or on a circle. At first it is advantageous to lead off with the outside foot and then attempt the change of lead to the inside foot. This plan is especially applicable to work on a circle.
In all this work, the thing to be avoided is a desire to progress too rapidly. If the horse resists, you must not
be bullheaded; you must begin again and take up the analytical parts of the movement, going back to the simple gallop leads. By insisting too strongly you teach the horse to resist the reins and legs and destroy what lightness he may have acquired. Moreover, the horse's resistance proves that you are attempting the change of lead too soon and that he is not yet up to it.
Continuation of training—Work at the slow trot—Gallop exercises.—Review the instructions given under Question XVIII on what concerns the trot and what has just been said about work at a gallop. Work at the slow trot on the three lines will develop the strength and suppleness of the horse; alternating gallop leads with short intervals, exacted from the trot, the walk, the halt, and when backing, will finally perfect his balance and obedience; he will then be well trained.
But this work must not be abused. Riding-hall work should be of short duration. The horse should be often taken out, galloped over good ground and jumped over obstacles. It must not be forgotten that the desirable qualities in an officer's mount are that he shall he perfectly willing, go perfectly straight, and remain perfectly calm, all of which qualities would disappear if he were kept constantly shut up in a riding hall, working at slow and shortened gaits.