CIRCLING OX THE HAUNCHES. 33 



By circling tlie liorse on the forelisind, we have 

 taught him on applying the leg to move his haunches 

 to either hand, and as he has thus learnt to obey the 

 leg, we can by making use of it prevent him from 

 moving his hind-legs to the right or left ; therefore 

 we shall now teach him to circle on them, which in 

 a few lessons will lead the horse to go completely 

 round on his haunches ; and thus in time perform 

 the "Pirouette," the most useful " Air of the Man- 

 ege" for a cavalry soldier ; for, when engaged sword 

 in hand with an enemy, he can turn his horse right, 

 and left, and about, in an instant, and thus gain the 

 advantage over his antagonist. 



A cavalry soldier must always bear in mind, that 

 in a contest on horseback, it is not the strongest, but 

 the most accomplished horseman wdio is likely to be 

 victorious ; and a skilful rider will generally carry 

 the day against a man, however powerful and strong, 

 who cannot handle his horse. 



On the word of command, ^'On the Hcvunclies Bight 

 Ahout,^^ bend the horse's head a little to the right 

 with the bit ; pass the right hand over to the near 

 snaffle-rein ; apply the left leg as far behind the girth 

 as possible at first, to keep the haunches steady, but 

 do not use it until the haunches bear against it ; on 

 tlie word "J/arcA," make the horse step to the right 

 with his fore-feet, by feeling the left snaffle-rein, 

 bringing both hands a little to the right at the same 

 time, and by applying both legs, the right to keep 

 2* 



