THE AMBLE. 217 



mucli upon the stirrup side, and may cause the 

 saddle to turn. 



In practicing riding in a circle, it will be 

 found very advantageous to vary the size of the 

 circle, first riding in a large one, then grad- 

 ually contracting it, and again enlarging it ; or 

 the rider, while practicing upon a large circle, 

 may make a cross-cut toward the centre of this 

 circle, so as to enter upon another one of smaller 

 diameter, and, after riding for a short time in the 

 smaller circle, she may again pass out to resume 

 her ride upon the larger one. These changes 

 from large to narrow circles form excellent 

 practice for pupils, but should always, if pos- 

 sible, be performed under competent instruc- 

 tion. 



The first lessons in trottins; in a circle should 

 always be of short duration, and the pupil re- 

 quired to ride slowly, the speed being gradually 

 increased as she gains knowledge and confi- 

 dence. The moment she experiences fatigue 

 she should dismount, and rest, before resuming 

 the lesson. 



In the amble the horse's movements very 

 strongly resemble those of the camel, two legs 

 on one side moving together alternately with 

 the two legs of the other side. Thus one side 

 of the animal supports the weight of his body, 



