# Notes on equitation and horse training/Question 11

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## XI.

Two track work.—Two track work consists in making the fore legs cross each other and the hind legs cross each other, gaining ground to the front or without gaining ground to the front; the horse is set (placed) to the flank toward which he is marching.
(1) On the track—Haunches in.—When both the forehand and the haunches have been sufficiently suppled, the movement of "Haunches in" should be changed into "Haunches in on two tracks." That is to say, that as the horse gradually becomes more obedient to the leg, the lateral effect should gradually make way for the diagonal effect. In other words, when the horse yields readily to the left leg, for instance, it is useless to continue the left rein in opposition, and we accordingly attain the full and regular movement in which the forehand is set in the direction of march.
Haunches out.—After the horse has mastered the preceding movement, he should be taught haunches out on two tracks." The principles are the same; but this latter lesson is much to be preferred, because the horse executes it without being guided by the wall or by routine; he merely obeys the reins and legs.
In this movement the horse must not be allowed to hang back or to get behind the bit. To keep him well into the reins, the two track lesson must frequently be terminated by moving out either on a half turn in reverse or on an oblique to change hands.
* ↑ "On two tracks" will be a general preparatory command. Thus: (1) On two tracks; (2) Haunches in (or out); (3) March. (1) On two tracks; (2) Right (or Left) oblique; (3) March.—The Board.
​Two track movements with the haunches in or out are very fatiguing to the young horse and should not be prolonged beyond a few steps. Undue persistence in these movements would make a horse refuse; he would strike his fetlocks while stepping across and would sooner or later resist in order to escape the pain caused by these repeated blows.
(2) On the diagonal of the hall—Advantage of this exercise.—Movements of the haunches should be repeated on the diagonal of the hall (while changing hands) and in half turns. Two track work on the diagonal of the hall makes a perfect lesson. Any tendency to slacken the gait is avoided, and the horse takes to this exercise more willingly than to that on the track because it is easier and there is less chance of striking the fetlocks in cross stepping.
In two track work, do not persist in a movement poorly begun or poorly executed. If the horse frets, dances, or backs, put him on a straight line again, quiet him, and then return to the two track lesson.
(3) On a circle.—Two track work on a circle is executed on the same principles. The following remarks are pertinent:
(a) Haunches out on two tracks on a circle puts the horse into his bridle and upon his forehand. He supports himself to a great extent on the forelegs and lightens the hind quarters which, having a longer route to travel, derive more benefit.
This movement should be used for horses that hang back, or that have too much weight on the hind quarters.
(b) Haunches in, on two tracks on a circle produces effects diametrically opposite. It is a special exercise for suppling the forehand and should be used for horses that have too much weight on the shoulders.
* ↑ After a platoon or squad has been placed upon a circle as prescribed in paragraph 241, Cavalry Drill Regulations, the instructor commands: (1) On two tracks; (2) Haunches in (or out); (3) March.
​Two track work at a slow trot.—All two track exercises should be repeated at a slow trot. Such work, with the haunches set diagonally, develops rapid progress in young horses.
* ↑ After the young horses have been sufficiently trained to execute two track movements for several steps and the instructor desires to have such movements discontinued simultaneously, he commands: "As you were." In order to study the progress and faults of the individual horse and rider the instructor causes members of the squad to execute in succession a given movement by the use of the preliminary command: First trooper. Thus, with the squad marching on the diagonal of the hall the instructor commands: (1) First trooper; (2) Haunches right, in time to add (3) March, when the leading trooper is at about 6 yards from the track. Each trooper in succession executes the movement on the same ground and the instructor places himself where he can closely observe details.