138 RING-EIDING. 



After the simple movemeuts are well understood, the 

 movements on the circle and the more complicated varia- 

 tions of the simple movements can be taken up. 



To improve the riders in the use of the legs and reins, as 

 well as to improve the feeling of the horses for the same, it 

 is well to occasionally practice the movements on two paths 

 around the ring in both directions ; also to turn the horses on 

 the fore and hind quarters. 



The instructor should make it a point to have all the 

 movements executed equally in both directions, and that the 

 class rides as much on one hand as on the other, whether at a 

 walk, trot, or gallop. This rule is generally not observed, 

 with the result that nearly all horses ridden in the ring are 

 one-sided, and a good many riders can not gallop as well on 

 the left as on the right hand. 



In going through the ring in line, the command having 

 been given to guide in either direction, the riders are prone 

 to press toward the flank indicated ; this is caused by an in- 

 voluntary drawing of the reins, from looking in that direc- 

 tion ; the riders should go straight ahead, without pressure 

 toward either side, and only glance toward the flank they 

 are to guide by. 



For simple practice and improvement it is best not to 

 ride any movements in regular succession, but keep on 

 changing continually, and thoroughly practice all possible 

 movements and combinations, as may be found desirable for 

 certain purposes by the instructor. If, however, it is in- 

 tended to ride some special figures for a special occasion, 

 the figures should be formulated and tried, and, after correc- 

 tion, be strictly adhered to thereafter until the occasion has 

 jjassed. 



For practice, no regular rotation can be of any service, as 

 the mind must be kept alert from expectation, which is im- 

 possible except by continual changes; for an exhibition, on 

 the contrary, the movements should be so well drilled as to 

 hardly need the commands. 



