IN THE RIDING-SCHOOL. 53 



" I like this kind of trot," you say sweetly. 

 "It's easier than the other kind." 



" It isn't a trot ; it's a canter," says your mas- 

 ter, with a suspicion of dryness in his voice, 

 "but you may make him trot if you like. 

 Shorten both reins, especially the left. Whoa, 

 Charlie ! Wait until I say ' Now,' before you do 

 it ! Shorten both reins, especially the left ; 

 that will keep him to the wall. Then extend 

 your left arm a little, and draw back your right ; 

 draw back your left and extend your right, and 

 repeat until he comes down to a trot. That 

 saw's his mouth, and gives him something beside 

 scampering to occupy his mind. Now we will 

 start up again at a canter. Lengthen your 

 reins, but remember to shorten them when you 

 want to trot." 



"Shall I tell you beforehand, so that you may 

 have time to make your horse trot, too ? " you 

 ask. 



Esmeralda, you must have been reading one 

 of those sweet books on etiquette which advise 

 the horsewoman to be considerate of her com- 

 panions. How much notice do you think your 

 master requires to "make his horse trot"? 



