It must be understood that at this stage of training, that is, during lateral equitation (explained on page 50), the about on the forehand is not a finished movement. The aids to be used are: To execute an about on the forehand to the right; both legs to arouse impulsion; the right leg to swing the haunches; the right rein of opposition to assist the right leg; the left rein to assist the right in its second function of preventing the horse from moving forward. The left leg is always ready to prevent the horse from backing.
About on the Forehand (Dismounted).—With some horses that are particularly difficult to teach the use of the leg as an aid, dismounted work may be resorted to. Short lessons only should be given.
Working on the left side, seize the reins six or eight inches from the bit in the left hand. Stand facing the horse and with the riding-whip touch him in rear of the girth where the rider’s leg would ordinarily come when used as an aid. Increase the force of the whip, beginning with light taps, until the horse swings his haunches away from the whip. The left hand prevents the horse moving either forward or backward. If at first the horse fails to move his haunches, he may be assisted in doing so by bringing the head slightly toward the side of the trainer. This opposes the head to the haunches and assists the action of the whip.
CHAPTER VI.
Outdoor Work.
From the moment the horse will go straight ahead outdoor work is in some cases a necessity and in all cases to a greater or less extent desirable.
Horses which tend to get behind the bit or which do not let themselves out should frequently have outside work alternated with hall work. The horse being gradually educated to a good free trot should be given them outdoors, allowing time enough between trots for the horse to assume normal breathing. Outdoor work should take place with normal horses two days a week.
All horses need fresh outdoor air occasionally.
Horses that are inclined to bolt or forge ahead continually, or those that throw most of the weight on the forehand, need much more hall work than outdoor work.