134 THE HORSEMAN. 



movement ; the great object being always to be \vithin 

 cutting distance. 



After being sufficiently expert in describing the circle 

 and keeping the proper distance, the one should en- 

 deavor to gain the other's left rear or " weak quarter" 

 by quickening the pace. The one acting on the defen- 

 sive must keep sword arm to sword arm with his adver- 

 sary by turning his horse upon his own centre. 



The reader will, in this case, perceive the advantage 

 of acting on the defensive. 



LESSON III. 

 (See Plate XXX.) 



The riders take position side to side, horses' heads in 

 the same direction, both forming the first guard (one on 

 the left side, the other on the right, sabres crossed), and 

 move at the walk, then the trot, and lastly the gallop. 



The rider with the first guard formed, or first cut made 

 on his right, is the attacking party, and should occasion- 

 ally urge or check his horse for the purpose of gaining 

 the advantage of his adversary. The one on the defen- 

 sive should keep pace with his antagonist. 



In the pursuit, the skilful horseman always attacks at 

 the left rear, for he has the advantage of the width of his 

 opponent's chest, and may cut or thrust with impunity. 



In order to avoid the attack at this point, the defensive 

 party should turn his horse immediately to the " right 

 about" and receive his pursuer sword arm to sword arm; 



