MOUNTED INSTRUCTION 95 



between them and the mouth. It should rest evenly across the bars 

 and about one inch above the tusk, if present, and so that it will not 

 touch or knock against any teeth. The chain should be adjusted so 

 that it rests in the chain groove and so that when the reins are tightened 

 sufficiently to take up all slack in the chain, the lower branches will 

 make an angle of about 45° with the line of the lips. 



The chain must always be twisted flat or it will inflict pain. Any 

 pain caused other than by the mouthpiece of the bit acting upon the 

 bars of the mouth is wrong and should be corrected. 



The Pelham has a straight curved mouthpiece with branches 

 and rings for the attachment of reins at the ends of the mouthpiece 

 and on the lower branches. Hence it can be used either as a plain bar 

 bit or a curb. It is very commonly used for both riding and driving, 

 and for many reasons is an excellent bit, though not issued to our 

 service. 



It is fitted and adjusted similary to the curb. 



THE BAR BIT is adjusted to the mouth as the mouthpiece of the 

 curb. It has the mildest action of any bit and is recommended for 

 either driving or riding whenever its use is possible. 



THE COMBINATION of curb and snaffle, which is our regulition 

 bitting for riding animals is the best for all round use. When used, 

 the snaffle is above the curb in the mouth so as not to interfere with the 

 curb action. 



The bridle should fit the head comfortably and be capable of the 

 adjustments necessary to proper bitting. The throat-latch should 

 never be buckled tightly ; there should always be room to thrust the 

 whole hand between it and the throat. 



THE BEST NATURAL RIDER IS HE WHO RIDES WITH 

 THE LEAST EFFORT 



A primary object of this book is to train the rider in horsemanship, 

 so that he rides as an infantryman walks, by habit. A good rider will 

 always make a good driver. 



The Instructor: It is essential that the instructor be a skilled and 

 experienced horseman, ]:)roDerly mounted. He should always sui:)ple- 

 ment the original explanation of a movement by executing it himself. 

 so that the riders may actually see the result that is desired and the 

 means by which it is efifected. 



NOTES FOR INSTRUCTORS 

 Riding 



Instructor will ride with the same horse equipment as the enlisted 

 men. This is so that they may be able at any time to show the men, 

 through demonstration, just what is wanted of them. Never allow 

 your horses to be treated other than kindly. Impress on your men th"e 

 fact that 99 out of 100 horses are always willing to do what is wanted 



