98 MOUNTED INSTRUCTION 



excessively. The stirrup straps are of the proper length when, the rider 

 being properly seated, the legs falling naturally and the stirrup straps 

 vertical, the tread of the stirrup comes to the ankle bone. The foot is 

 then placed in the stirrup by simply elevating the toe, the leg not being 

 moved. The leg position is correct when, being properly seated and 

 body erect, a line from the rider's shoulder dropped vertically would 

 just touch the heels, or when the rider, glancing over his knees finds 

 his toes just hidden from view, or when the line bisecting the angle 

 made by the thigh and lower leg is approximately horizontal. 



The back is never arched but is slightly bowed to the rear and the 

 stomach caved in to insure a supple waist. Care must be taken that 

 breaking over the belt and bowing ihe back does not degenerate into 

 a hump backed slouch in the saddle. Head and shoulders are held erect. 



Elbows hang naturally and close in to the body. Plands are held low 

 over the withers and about eight inches apart, backs of hands are out 

 and vertical, upper and lower arms making with each other an angle 

 of about 90 degrees. When reins are in one hand, the other hand falls 

 naturally at the side, behind the thigh. Additional pressure is exerted 

 on the reins by moving the elbows to the rear or by turning the hands 

 in, flexing the wrists, never by raising the hands. 



Cautions to Instructors: The instructor must first develop the 

 confidence of the rider, give him a proper seat, and make him supple on 

 the horse. Progress should be suited to his capacity and exempt him 

 as far as practicable from falls or other accidents. In case of a fall 

 recruit should double up, relax and roll away from horse. First in- 

 struct the soldier in the use of the aids. Men should be taught then 

 the means employed to train the horse to obey them. 



Instruction is given individually; every new movement is made the 

 object of a particular lesson given to each driver in turn. 



During the exercises the instructor AVOIDS GENERAL RE- 

 MARKS and (in so far as possible) unfamiliar terms; in the correc- 

 tion of faults he addresses by name those committing them. 



He passes frequently from one rider to another repeating advice and 

 endeavoring to impress upon the riders the principles embodied in the 

 regulations. In doing this he need not use the language of the text. 



The instructor may be on foot or mounted. For the first lesson it is 

 advantageous to remain on foot so as better to explain movements and 

 correct faults. Mounted commands should be in a long drawn steady 

 quiet tone of voice. 



Steady, well-trained horses are selected for the first lessons. The 

 riders exchange horses from time to time during the lesson on indica- 

 tion from the instructor. 



There should be frequent rests, especially with recruits. During 

 these rests advantage may be taken of the opportunity to question the 

 riders respecting the instruction they have received. 



In all exercises the instructor varies the gait so as not to weary the 

 riders or the horses. The instruction is conducted without hurry. The 

 daily work begins and ends at the walk. 



