14 RING-RIDING. 



sible. The simplest movements look well if well executed 

 and properly combined, while most difficult ones are only 

 appreciated by the expert. 



The object of this book is to give, in a convenient form 

 for reference, a number of movements which can be com- 

 bined in various ways, and may lead to the suggestion of 

 others, together with a system of commands suitable for 

 ring-riding, and some general instruction and explanation. 



The movements will all be given and explained as on the 

 right hand ; it being only necessary to substitute the word 

 left for right to explain the movement on the left hand. The 

 commands will be given for both. 



GENERAL RULES. 



Except when the class is riding at a walk, to rest the 

 horses, the gait, whether a walk, trot, or gallop, should be 

 quick and animated, but regular and not too fast ; the horses 

 should be kept well collected and quick in their actions, but 

 the speed should never be greater than necessary. There 

 should be a certain decision (snap) in the gait as well as in 

 the execution of the different movements, but a rushing, dis- 

 connected gait should be carefully avoided. 



When the class is in line or in column of twos or more, 

 and it being necessary for the outside flank to increase its 

 gait while turning, the outside flank riders must be careful 

 to resume the regular gait again as soon as the straight 

 line is resumed. 



In starting from a halt or walk into a trot or gallop, at 

 the command March, each rider must start his horse at the 

 same instant ; he must not wait till the rider ahead or along- 

 side has started, but must at once put his own horse into 

 motion or increased action on hearing the command. The 

 change of gait should be gradual but simultaneous, other- 



