348 CIRCUS TRICKS. 



tandem with a leader that did his work without either 

 reins or traces ! The following would be appropriate 

 signals for performing Rockwell's feat : " Clicking " 

 with the tongue, for "go on " ; " steady," for " moderate 

 speed " ; holding up whip, or saying " whoa ! " for 

 " stop " ; holding whip to the left, for " turn to the left " ; 

 holding whip to the right, for " turn to the right." 

 Sample's tandem leader did his " act " without in- 

 struction. 



The right-about-turn and left-about-turn might be in- 

 dicated by bringing the whip round to the right rear, 

 or to the left rear, as the case might be. The signals 

 should be taught the horse by employing them, on all 

 occasions, when using the equivalent indications of the 

 rein, which, to be additionally impressive, should be given 

 sharper than usual. 



It is comparatively easy to teach, when mounted, a suit- 

 able horse to obey without reins a number of indications, 

 the effect of which is good in proportion to the difficulty 

 experienced by the observer in seeing their application. 

 Here, alteration of the position of the rider's weight comes 

 largely into play. The effect of the voice may be restricted 

 to obtaining the halt. The horse should be light-mouthed, 

 and of a generous and observant disposition. We may 

 commence in a riding-school or other suitable enclosure. 



POLKA, DANCING THE. 



A circus horse at liberty is said to dance the polka when 

 he changes the leg at every stride (see page 287) at the 

 canter. This movement, which is particularly difficult to 

 teach, may be obtained by the use of the long whip in 

 getting the required changes of leg. 



