110 MOUNTED INSTRUCTION 



direct reins. This effect, when on one rein only, is called that of the 

 right (or left) direct rein. 



The leading rein : When the rider carries the right hand to the right 

 and forward in a manner to preserve contact but not to increase pres- 

 sure on the bit the effect is called that of the right leadhig rein. 



The back of the hand should remain vertical, the wrist in prolonga- 

 tion of the forearm, the elbow remaining near the body. 



The horse's head and neck are drawn to the right, the shoulders fol- 

 low, and he turns to the right. 



The bearing rein: When the rider carries the right hand forward, 

 upward, and to the left in a manner to preserve contact, but not to in- 

 crease pressure on the bit, the effect is said to be that of the right 

 bearing rein. 



The back of the hand should remain vertical, the wrists in prolonga- 

 tion of the forearm. 



The horse's head is turned slightly to the right, but the effect is to 

 the left. The neck bends and is convex to the left and is followed by 

 the shoulders. The horse turns to the left. 



The action of the bearing rein is much more powerful than that of 

 the leading rein, and is used to the exclusion of the latter to turn the 

 horse when riding with the reins in one hand. 



The indirect rein of opposition: Its effect may be produced in front 

 of the withers if the hand be slightly raised ; in rear of the wither if the 

 hand be slightly lowered. It is frequently used by the driver when 

 riding and its effect should be studied and practiced from the be- 

 ginning. 



Manner of applying the aids: The action of the reins and legs and 

 weight should not be continuous. The rider alternately closes and 

 relaxes the fingers, the hands preserving contact in the intervals 

 between the actions. In the same manner he uses the legs, neither 

 gripping nor releasing altogether, but preserving light contact in the 

 intervals between the gripping with the calves. The weight likewise 

 is used in a similar manner, being quickly applied to the front, to the 

 rear, or to a side, alternating with returns to the normal position. 



If an action of the aids is prolonged the horse has opportunity to 

 establish the corresponding resistance, but if produced by repeated 

 applications the effect is very marked. 



All action of the aids should diminish in intensity when obedience 

 begins and cease entirely as soon as the desired result is secured. 



Riders must be thoroughly trained in riding with the reins in one 

 hand. 



The instructor, in teaching riders to avail themselves of their legs 

 and reins, is governed by the preceding considerations, and from the 

 first watches vigilantly the action of the aids. 



The hand should always be kept low. The most thoughtful care 

 should be exercised in the combined application of the aids, so that 

 they may not he opposed to each other in their action ; that is, one 

 favoring the intended movement, the other opposing it. 



