4. Use the left direct rein to turn the horse’s head to the left at the poll.
5. Use the left leg to move the haunches to the right.
6. The right leg remains ready to maintain the advanced position of the center of gravity and likewise to limit the movement of the haunches to that side.
7. The seat should be carried to the right to facilitate the displacement of the haunches to that side.
About on the Haunches.—This movement is more difficult than the about on the forehand and should be undertaken only after the work on two tracks is well understood.
The movement is first taught by moving the horse on two tracks on a small circle; for example, to the right, with haunches in.
Gradually decrease the diameter of the circle as the horse becomes proficient. As the circle becomes smaller change the direction of the rein so that the direction of the pull is toward the right haunch to weight the latter down. Likewise increase the pressure of the left leg until it is sufficient to prevent little by little any movement on the part of the haunches. The circle then is finally diminished so that the movement is that of a circle on the part of the forehand about the right hind leg as a pivot. If the movement should be about the left hind leg, or outside leg, as a pivot, it becomes a retrograde movement, which is liable to put the horse behind the bit.
The Gallop.—Heretofore the gallop has been undertaken merely as a means of exercise to strengthen and stretch out the horse and to teach him a little in balancing himself by the use of his legs. No attention was paid at first to the leads; later a little lateral equitation was used to partially insure the correct lead.
A horse is leading correctly when the right laterals (right front and right hind) are in advance of the left laterals, when turning to the right. This is called “leading right.” A horse is galloping disunited when he is galloping one way in front and another way in rear.