GENERAL RULES. 15 



wise different riders will lose their positions, and an even 

 gait is not attained for some time. 



At every preparatory command each rider should gather 

 his horse, without any change in the gait, in preparation for 

 the movement to be executed. 



Unless otherwise instructed, the reins should be held in 

 both hands, the two curb-reins and the left snaffle-rein in 

 the left hand, and the right snaffle-rein in the right hand. 



COMMANDS. 



Commands are of two kinds : the preparatory command, 

 which should clearly indicate the movement that is to be 

 executed; the command of execution— a,s March or Halt. 

 The tone of command should be animated and distinct, and 

 loud enough to be heard by every rider in the class. The 

 preparatory command should always be given in time to be 

 properly understood, and distinctly separate from the com- 

 mand of execution. 



GUIDING. 



In single file the leading rider is the guide and is respon- 

 sible for the gait, which must be uniform and regular, 

 whether walk, trot, or gallop. 



When in line at the wall the outside flank rider is the 

 guide and sets the pace. 



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

 flank rider of each rank is the guide for such rank ; and he of 

 the first sets the pace, while the others hold their positions 

 according to his. 



On the circle, and with the riders at equal distances around 

 the same, number one is the guide and sets the pace. To 

 promote uniformity of positions, the leader of the second 

 section (number seven, with twelve riders, or number nine, 

 with sixteen) must hold his position on the circle directly 

 opposite number one. 



When in two sections at opposite sides of the ring, the 

 leader of the first section sets the pace, and the other section 



