APPENDIX II.
EXTENSION AND BALANCE MOTIONS.
The following are adapted as closely as possible from the carefully thought-out system of Military Equitation practised in the British Army, and may be executed as follows:—
Prepare for Extension and Balance Motions.—On this caution each rider will turn his horse facing the Instructor, drop the reins on the horse's neck, and let both arms hang down easily from the shoulders, with the palms of the hands to the front. This is the position of Attention.
Caution.—First Practice.
| "One" | On the word "One" bring the hands, at the full extent of the arms, to the front, close to the body, knuckles downwards till the fingers meet at the points; then raise in a circular direction over the head, the ends of the fingers still touching and pointing downwards so as to touch the forehead, thumbs pointing to the rear, elbows pressed back, shoulders kept well down. |
| "Two" | On the word "Two," throw the hands up, extending the arms smartly upwards, palms of the hands inwards; then force them obliquely back, and gradually let them fall to the position of Attention, the first position, elevating the neck and chest as much as possible. |
N.B.—The foregoing motions are to be done slowly, so that the muscles may be fully exerted throughout. No stirrup is to be used.
Caution.—Second Practice.
| "One" | On the word "One" raise the hands in front of the body, at the full extent of the arms, and in a line with the mouth, palms meeting, but without noise, thumbs close to the forefingers. |
| "Two" | On the word "Two," separate the hands smartly, throwing them well back, slanting downwards, palms turned slightly upward. |
| "One" "Two" |
On the word "One," resume the first position above described, and so on, sitting down on the saddle without any attempt, in resuming the first position, to rise. |
| "Three" | On the word "Three," smartly resume the position of Attention. |
In this practice the second motion may be continued without repeating the words "One," "Two," by giving the order "Continue the Motion:" on the word "Steady," the second position is at once resumed, the rider remaining in that position, head well up, chin in, and chest thrown out, on the word "Three," resuming the position of Attention.
Caution.—Third Practice.
| "One" | On the word "One," raise the hands, with the fists clenched, in front of the body, at the full extent of the arms, and in line with the mouth, thumbs upwards, fingers touching. |
| "Two" | On the word "Two," separate the hands smartly, throwing the arms back in line with the shoulders, back of the hands downwards. |
| Three" | On the word "Three," swing the arms round as quickly as possible from front to rear. |
| "Steady" | On the word "Steady," resume the second position. |
| "Four" | On the word "Four," let the arms fall smartly to the position of Attention. |
Caution.—Fourth Practice.
| "One" | On the word "One," lean back until the back of the head touches the horse's quarter, but moving the legs as little as possible. |
| "Two" | On the word "Two," resume the original position. |
Caution.—Fifth Practice.
| "One" | On the word "One," lean down to the left side and touch the left foot with the left hand without, however, drawing up the foot to meet the hand. |
| "Two" | On the word "Two," resume the original position. |
The same practice should also be done to the right reaching down as far as possible, but without drawing the left heel up and back.
The following practice can only be performed in the cross-saddle, by pupils learning to ride à la cavalière, and suitably dressed.
Caution.—Sixth Practice.
| "One" | On the word "One," pass the right leg over the horse's neck, and, turning on the seat, sit facing the proper left, keeping the body upright, and the hands resting on the knees. The leg must not be bent in passing over the horse's neck. |
| "Two" | On the word "Two," pass the left leg over the horse's quarter, and turning in the seat, sit facing to the rear, assuming, as much as possible, the proper mounted position, the arms hanging behind the thighs. |
| "Three" | On the word "Three," pass the right leg over the horse's quarter, and, turning in the seat, sit facing to the proper right, the body upright, and the hands resting on the knees. |
| "Four" | On the word "Four," pass the left leg over the horse's neck, and, turning in the seat, resume the proper mounted position. |
Each of the above motions may be performed by command of the instructor without repeating the words "One," "Two," "Three," etc.
Transcriber's Note: Inconsistencies in spelling, punctuation, and hyphenation have been retained as printed.