(10) Lit. "pulled up" (and arranged the folds of his mantle). (11) {eustalestatos}, "the most business-like deportment." As to reins, we recommend those which are well balanced, without being weak or slippery or thick, so that when necessary, the hand which holds them can also grasp a spear. As soon as the rider gives the signal to the horse to start, (12) he should begin at a walking pace, which will tend to allay his excitement. If the horse is inclined to droop his head, the reins should be held pretty high; or somewhat low, if he is disposed to carry his head high. This will set off the horse's bearing to the best advantage. Presently, as he falls into a natural trot, (13) he will gradually relax his limbs without the slightest suffering, and so come more agreeably to the gallop. (14) Since, too, the preference is given to starting on the left foot, it will best conduce to that lead if, while the horse is still trotting, the signal to gallop should be given at the instant of making a step with his right foot. (15) As he is on the point of lifting his left foot he will start upon it, and while turning left will simultaneously make the first bound of the gallop; (16) since, as a matter of instinct, a horse, on being turned to the right, leads off with his right limbs, and to the left with his left. (12) "Forwards!" (13) Or, "the true trot." (14) {epirrabdophorein}, "a fast pace in response to a wave of the whip." (15) See Berenger, i. p. 249; also the "Cavalry Drill Book," Part I. Equitation, S. 22, "The Canter." (16) {tes episkeliseos}, "he will make the forward stride of the gallop in the act of turning to the left." See Morgan ad loc. As an exercise, we recommend what is called the volte, (17) since it habituates the animal to turn to either hand; while a variation in the order of the turn is good as involving an equalisation of both sides of the mouth, in first one, and then the other half of the exercise. (18) But of the two we commend the oval form of the volte rather than the circular; for the horse, being already sated with the straight course, will be all the more ready to turn, and will be practised at once in the straight course and in wheeling. At the curve, he should be held up, (19) because it is neither easy nor indeed safe when the horse is at full speed to turn sharp, especially if the ground is broken (20) or slippery. (17) {pede}, figure of eight. (18) Or, "on first one and then the other half of the manege." (19) {upolambanein}. See "Hipparch," iii. 14; "Hunting," iii. 10; vi. 22, of a dog. (20) {apokroton}, al. {epikroton}, "beaten, hard-trodden ground."