A horse with jaws unequally sensitive is detected by the exercise called the ring, i.e., the volte ; see note at 7.13. but much more by changing the exercise. i.e., by riding on the other hand. The allusion, as Hermann saw, is not to the inverted volte. For many do not attempt to bolt unless they have a bad mouth, and the road along which they can bolt home gives them their chance. The meaning is, that if, for example, the road on the right leads home, the horse with a more sensitive right jaw will try to bolt down it. It is likewise necessary to know whether, when going at full speed he can be pulled up sharp, and whether he turns readily. And it is well to make sure whether he is equally willing to obey when roused by a blow. For a disobedient servant and a disobedient army are of course useless; and a disobedient horse is not only useless, but often behaves just like a traitor.