THE WALK. 6 1 



time to time, diversifying the track and changing ground 

 diagonally from one circle to another. The number of per- 

 mutations and combinations to be described on this Hmited 

 area are numberless. The greatest exactness, uniformity 

 and delicacy must be observed in their execution ; each and 

 every circle or change must be mathematically correct. The 

 pace and time must be uniform, and the horse, in order to 

 readily obey the hand, must be kept well up to his bit. A 

 visit to any circus will show the tyro that in order to 

 preserve the poise of his body the horse must lean towards 

 the centre of the ring proportionately to the size of the 

 circle and the speed at which he is working. Naturally, 

 the rider must conform to that inclination ; both must travel 

 in the same plane. In describing the circle, the inward 

 rein is lowered and slightly borne upon with an even 

 pressure; if it be held unsteadily, or jerked, the horse will 

 not strike a true circle. He will require also the support 

 of the outer rein and, probably, the aid of the outward 

 leg, or a slight touch on the flank from the whip, which, 

 under any circumstances, will remain in the rider's right 

 hand. 



Most horses will take their signals from the inclination of 

 the rider's body. For instance, suppose in working these 

 circles and changes the rider wishes to circle to the right, 

 he turns his body slightly in that direction, drawing the 

 right leg a little back, and advancing the left so much for- 

 ward. The hands, I have said, should be low down, 

 slightly apart, and in rear of the pommel. I place them in 

 this free-and-easy position because such a hold of the reins 

 makes the rider sit square in his saddle, and for another 

 reason, which is this :— In guiding a horse, pressure on the 

 off side of the mouth guides him to the right, and a 

 tightened near rein inclines him to the left. Every one 



