80 THE BARB AND THE BRIDLE. 



on the part of the rider which would be far from beneficial to a lady. 

 The object of the lesson is to induct the pupil into a mode in which 

 she can obtain complete mastery over her horse. It is, as it were, a 

 gymnastic exercise for both steed and rider, and must not be 

 persevered with too long at one time. After about ten minutes' 

 rest the pupil should again collect her horse, rein him back, and pre- 

 pare him again for cantering. She should then strike him quietly off, 

 and ride him very collectedly, so as to be ready to make the circles. 

 These should be made from about midway down the boards ; and on 

 the last sound of the words " circle right," the pupil should turn her 

 horse's head from the boards, and, supporting him well with the left 

 leg and rein, ride in a figure exactly similar to that she described at a 

 walk. She will find, however, that the horse requires considerably 

 more support in making the circles than he did in the simple turns. 

 Being on the bend from the time he leaves the boards until he arrives 

 at them again, the nicest riding is necessary to keep his fore and 

 hind feet on the same track, and prevent him from throwing his 

 haunches out. The pace, too, should be more collected than when 

 the turns were made. Four miles to four miles and a half an hour is 

 quite fast enough, and, if necessary, the horse must be halted and 

 reined back several times in order to get him thoroughly collected^ 

 Two circles well done are quite sufficient. The pupil should then again 

 halt, " sit at ease," and make much of her horse. By this time 

 both he and the pupil will have gone through a tolerably severe 

 lesson, because the collected pace necessary to execute it, and 

 especially the circles, necessitates a great deal of cantering before a 

 beginner can ascertain the true cadence — without which, and a con- 

 siderable amount of support from her hand and leg, it is unsafe and 

 useless for her to attempt her turns and circles ; frequently, too, a 

 horse will have to go several times round the school before the 

 instructor can see the opportunity to give the word. Reining back 

 again, and collecting him, call very much upon the horse's powers, 

 while, on the other hand, over-fatigue is specially to be avoided as 

 regards the pupil. After resting ten minutes or so, the lady should 

 conclude this lesson by walking him quietly about till he is quite cool. 



