the position of the rider and horse are
alternately changed, from working from the right to a straight line,
thence to the left, thence to a straight line, and thence again to the
right. To give an instance of riding in a greater number of circles, of
different diameters, let the horse start from _a_ (see figure, p. 77),
and leave the upper circle at _b_, traversing to the outer small circle
at _c_, passing round, so as to enter the inner circle at _e_, and going
round, by _f_, to _g_; quitting it at _g_, and entering the lower
circle at _h_; quitting the latter again, after passing round _i_, at
_k_, and thence proceeding towards the outer small circle; entering at
_l_, going round and entering the inner circle at _e_, passing round,
and quitting it at _f_, to return again to _a_, by entering the upper
circle at _m_. These exercises may be diversified in various ways; the
pupil, for instance, may perform the upper circle, and one or both of
the pair below, return to the upper circle, cross from that, diagonally,
to the lower circle, quit it, at _h_ or _k_, to perform one of the
middle circles, return to the lower circle again, pass thence to the
other middle circle, and quit it at _c_ or _f_ (as the case may happen),
to return to the upper circle again. Nothing can be more beneficial than
this variety of action; it tends at once to confirm the pupil in her
seat; to exercise her in her balance and aids; and to render the horse
obedient: while, if he be kept in only one direction, he will perform
the figure mechanically, without either improving his own mouth and
action, or the rider's hands, aids, or balance.

[Illustration]

In the art of riding, working on a circle is called a _volt_; in angles,
or a zig-zag direction, _changes reverse_; and on half a circle from a
line, a _demi-volt_. These figures may first be performed separately;
but there can be no objection to the demi-volt and changes reverse
being afterwards embodied in the exercises on circles. As in the last
figure, the lady may work from _a_ in the mode directed, for some time;
then perform the variations, by going across from _a_ to _b_, and
describe a demi-volt round by _c_ _e_ to _a_; then return from _a_ to
_b_, and work a demi-volt, in an opposite direction, from _b_ to _a_:
thence, the lady may proceed in a line, enter the lower circle at _d_,
and re-commence riding in circles. The change reverse may at any time be
performed, by quitting the upper c