18 RING-EIDIKG. 



DISMOUNTING. 



The class being in line, to dismount with the riders at in- 

 tervals in two ranks, command : 



1. Even (or odd) numbers forward, 2. March. 

 8. Attention, 4. Halt. 



At the second command the even (or odd) numbers ride 

 forward, and at the fourth command halt. While moving 

 forward they will guide by the right or leading flank and 

 keep in line. 



Having thus placed the riders in the desired position in 

 the ring, command : 



1. Prepare to dismount, 2. Dismount. 



At the first command each rider will draw the reins up 

 into the left hand and grasj) the mane of the horse in the 

 same hand. At the second command he will rise in the left 

 stirrup, pass the right leg over the croup of the horse, and, 

 grasping the saddle with the right hand, let himself down 

 gently to the ground. 



Having dismounted, take hold of the reins behind the bit 

 with the right hand. 



USE OF REINS AND LEGS. 



The reins are intended to guide and halt the horse, and, 

 in connection with the legs, to prepare him for the move- 

 ments ; their action should be gradual and in harmony with 

 that of the legs. The hands should be steady and light, so 

 as not to worry the horse and harden his mouth. 



The legs serve to urge the horse forward, to support him, 

 and to guide him in executing changes of direction and of 

 gait. When lightly pressed, they steady him in his position ; 

 with decided pressure, they tend to move him forward. 

 Pressure exerted with one leg only tends to move the horse 

 sideways in the direction of the pressure, so that with the 

 proper guiding by the reins and appropriate pressure of 

 the legs, he can be made to go sideways at any desired an- 



