Instructional Exercises 179 



Second Lesson 



Balancing exercises to be commenced, and con- 

 tinued at a walk up to the ninth lesson: hands 

 held above the head, touching the toe on either side, 

 and leaning backwards and forwards in the saddle. 



Balancing exercises cannot be undertaken at 

 this early stage unless previously practised on the 

 dummy horse. In the Austrian Army beginners 

 are supplied with india-rubber balls attached by an 

 elastic to the wrist. It is claimed that catching the 

 ball affords a useful lesson in balance, but I have 

 not found this practice necessary. 



Short trotting lessons with and without reins but 

 with stirrups.^ 



Third, Fourth, and Fifth Lessons 



Short trotting lessons as above and also without 

 reins or stirrups. Once round the manege will be 

 found sufficient when stirrups are first dispensed 

 with. Part of these lessons, and subsequent ones 

 up to the thirtieth, will be done on a circle at either 



' It is a help with raw beginners to use horses which will answer 

 to the voice, and will trot, walk, and halt at the word of the 

 instructor. 



