1. The Position of the trainer relative to the horse.
   - To maintain the forward movement, the trainer must remain slightly
     BEHIND his student (the horse) or opposite the haunches, but NEVER
     precede him (this would "cut him off" see turns).
   
2. The Voice transmits the commands and indicates the gait and rhythm within each gait.
   CONSISTENT voice commands should be used so that the horse is NEVER IN DOUBT as to what is meant.
   For example:
   - EEASY, EEASY (to slow down and to calm)
   - OHO, OHO (to stop)
   - AAAND Walk, AAAND Walk
   - TRRRRot, TRRRRRot
   - CANtA! CANtA!
   - AAAND Stand
   
   
3. To change gait
   - The trainer uses his own movement and the longe whip to
   indicate to the horse the motion and rhythm of the required gait.
   Motion increase = faster. Motion decrease = slower. Whip higher = faster. Whip lower and behind = slower.
   
   
4. To slow or stop the horse.
   - The trainer, in conjunction with voice commands, lowers and turns
   the whip behind, takes a number of steps parallel to the horse until
   he is level with the head (as if to cut him off). The whip is then pointed
   to the front of the horse and the gait is slowed by showing the horse
   the motion required.
   NB: Great care must be taken that the horse does NOT misinterpret
           or take fright and change direction in an effort to escape!
   
   
5. To change rein or Turn
   NB: It is a natural and automatic reaction that, when a first turn or change of rein is requested, the horse tends to constantly attempt to return to the first rein used. GREAT PATIENCE and quiet persistence is required to rectify this habit, until the horse quietly transfers from one rein to the other without hesitation.
   
   - Turns are on of the most delicate maneuvers and take much practice from all concerned and care must be taken not to frighten the horse, especially over fences. The horse's concentration must remain constant.
   The trainer "cuts the corner" so that the horse passes in front of him, then moves back as the horse turns and then moves forward again to reposition at the level of the haunch on the other rein.
   
   

Free Work Over Obstacles

NB: 1. Work on both reins for each of the following, until totally accepted.
2. ALWAYS QUIT after each acceptance, with MUCH PRAISE!
3. The horse must do as it is told (PROVIDING you are SURE that he has     understood.

• Start over a single rail at WALK. If there is any sign of fear or hesitation, begin by LEADING the horse over it, with reassurances. Only once totally accepting, progress to other gaits.
• Progress to 2 or 3 trotting poles, appropriately positioned. When requested to TROT, the horse MUST TROT etc..
• Progress to a small cavaletti with ground rails on BOTH approach sides.
  If obstacles are knocked down, simply replace them and repeat the exercise. NO PUNISHMENT!

Properly conducted the horse's CALM, CONFIDENCE and STYLE will improve.