1U8 MOUNTED INSTRUCTION 



To take the reins in one hand and to separate them ; at the command 

 IN LEFT HAND TAKE REINS, place the left hand opposite the 

 middle of the body, pass the right rein into the left hand, separating it 

 from the left rein by the little finger; let the right hand fall by the side. 



At the command IX f^OTli HANDS TAKE RELNS, grasp the right 

 rein with the right hand and replace the hands 9 inches apart. 



The reins are taken in the right hand and again separated in a similar 

 manner. 



To adjust the reins the driver brings the wrists together and grasps 

 with one hand, above and near the opposite thumb, the rein that he 

 desires to shorten. 



The instructor causes the reins to be dropped and retaken by the 

 commands DROP REINS and REINS. 



At the first command, the rider drops the reins behind the pommel 

 and lets the hands fall by the side. 



The reins are dropped as an exceptional measure, and always with 

 precaution against accident. 



POSITION OF THE RIDER, OR ATTENTION (MOUNTED) 



The position described below should be considered a standard toward 

 which all riders should gradually approximate. 



The buttocks bearing equally upon and well forward in the middle 

 of the saddle. 



The thighs turned without constraint upon their flat side, clasping 

 the horse evenly and stretched only by their own weight and that of 

 the lower legs. 



The knee bent and flexible. 



The lower legs falling naturally, the calves in contact with the horse 

 without pressure, the toes dropping naturally when the driver is with- 

 out stirrups. 



The back supple and never hollowed. 



The upper part of the body easy, free, and erect. 



The shoulders thrown back evenly. 



The arms free, the elbows falling naturally. 



The head erect and turned to the front, but without stiffness. 



Eyes alert, well up, and directed to the trooper's front. 



The reins in left hand opposite the middle of the body, separated by 

 the little finger, the bight coming out between thumb and forefinger, 

 back of hand vertical, thumb up. The hand low over withers; let 

 the right hand fall by the side. 



This position may be modified by the instructor to suit varying con- 

 ditions and unusual conformations. \\'hen not at attention, the head 

 and eyes are directed so as best to favor alertness and observation. 

 In other respects the position should be practically unchanged. 



The body and lower legs are movable and should be under the con- 

 trol of the rider, either acting intermittently as aids for guiding the 

 horse or as a means for binding the rider to the horse while following 

 his movements. 



