GENERAL RULES. 21 



1. Backward, 2. March. 



At the command March, slowly close botli legs equally 

 and draw the reins until the horse steps backward, then re- 

 place the hands. Continue the movements of reins and legs 

 until the instructor commands : 

 1. Attention, 2. Halt. 



Should the horse while backing move his croup to either 

 side, press with the leg on that side, and, if necessary, assist 

 with the reins to keep him straight. 



If the class is in line, be careful to preserve the same 

 while backing, and guide by the right or leading flank. 



TROTTING. 



To start into a trot from a halt, command : 

 1. Forward, 2. Trot, 3. March. 



At the command Forward, prepare the horse by gather- 

 ing him, but without moving from position. At the com- 

 mand March, lower the hands slightly and press both legs 

 until the horse steps forward into the trot, when the hands 

 can be replaced and the pressure of the legs relaxed. Start 

 slowly and increase the gait gradually until as fast as de- 

 sired. 



The command Trot should be given in the same tone of 

 voice as the first command, which it should follow quickly — 

 although being distinct from it. If given in too loud a tone, 

 it may be taken as the command of execution by some of 

 the riders. 



To start into a trot from a walk, command : 

 1. Trot, 2. March. 



Gather the horse at the first command and start slowly 

 into the trot at the command March. 



GALLOPING. 



To start into a gallop from a walk, the instructor com- 

 mands : 



