FIG. 91.—BACKING
CHAPTER XIV
BACKING
The saddle-horse should go backward in the walk with the same freedom and lightness as that with which it advances in that pace; and it should pass to either hand with precision, the spur demanding the changes of direction, the bits, acting like a rudder, guiding the forehand upon the path along which the croup moves.
A few lessons on foot greatly facilitate the teaching of this movement.
The trainer, standing at the left shoulder of the animal and grasping the snaffle-reins under the chin of the horse, should, by means of a few whip taps upon the rump, and the restraint of the bit, make a fair collection of its forces. Then, after the animal is standing quietly, he should renew the whip taps upon the rump until a hind leg is flexed as if for a forward movement; at this moment the hand should draw the reins toward the chest of the horse so that the raised hind leg will take one step to the rear. The horse should be led forward for a few steps, and be again collected. In the same manner two or more steps to the rear should be demanded and the horse be made to advance while the centre of gravity is balanced and easily brought forward, the horse being kept light and the impulses alert. The steps to the rear will be gradually increased in number, until the horse will back any distance evenly and freely, the whip being ready to prevent too rapid a retreat, and hand and whip maintaining the collection; but the forward movement must always be demanded before a complete halt is effected, and an impulse obtained before the horse is called upon to back.