RING-RIDING. 



Ring-riding, without doubt, becomes monotonous to the 

 regular rider as well as to his horse, and both are glad when, 

 in the spring, pleasant weather arrives and outdoor riding 

 may be again indulged in, especially as we are not all so 

 constituted as to be able to go out in all kinds of weather 

 during the winter. Ring-riding can, however, be made en- 

 durable, and the hour of exercise be passed quickly and 

 agreeably by forming in classes and executing a variety of 

 manoeuvres. Such manoeuvres also tend to improve the 

 rider's seat in the saddle and his control of the horse. In 

 executing the various movements the rider's mind is kept on 

 the alert, his hands and legs kept busy guiding and control- 

 ling his horse, and the horse himself becomes more supple 

 and responds more quickly to the call of reins and legs. 



Movements on straight lines, parallel with or at various 

 angles to the sides of the ring, and in circles of various diam- 

 eters, or parts thereof, are the foundation of all figures, and 

 endless is the variety of combinations that can be made. It 

 should be a pleasant duty of the riding-master to formulate 

 new combinations, both for practice and exhibition riding. 

 For practice, any and all movements should be tried, and 

 there is no necessity for any regular succession of move- 

 ments ; for exhibition riding the figures should be carefully 

 designed for efi'ect, they should look well to the spectator, 

 and there should be a continuous changing from one move- 

 ment of the figure into another ; no long riding around the 

 ring between the movements, and as few repetitions as pos- 



