MOUNTED INSTRUCTION 111 



The instructor impresses upon the riders that their hands must be 

 kept still ; that is, free from bobbing up and down, and pulling-, and from 

 giving and taking when there is no reason therefore. 



Likewise their legs should remain in light contact with the horse's 

 sides and the heels not be used to kick the horse constantly in a nervous 

 manner. 



Moreover, that the effects of the aids may be perfectly clear, and that 

 there may be no contradiction between them, there should never be 

 simultaneous action of the direct reins demanding slowing up or halt- 

 ing and of the legs provoking a forward movement. This condition is 

 essential for preserving the composure indispensable to the horses of 

 the Battery. 



Suppling exercises: Before the suppling exercises are given at the 

 various gaits they should be thoroughly explained and practiced at the 

 halt. 



These exercises, if understood and intelligently applied, produce 

 rapid results. 



They are given daily throughout the entire course of instruction of 

 the rider with a view to — 



(a) Strengthening the muscles used in riding. 



(b) Assuring the correct seat. 



(c) Giving the rider balance and inspiring him with confidence in 

 his ability to maintain his seat while inducing general suppleness and 

 relaxation of the body. 



(d) Accustoming him to keep the thighs constantly pressed against 

 the horse. 



(e) Leading him to acquire independence in the use of the aids. 



The exercises herein indicated are recommended as the most useful, 

 but they are not the only ones in which the riders may be exercised. 

 They should first be taught dismounted. 



Instructors may add other suitable exercises for the purpose of vary- 

 ing the work and adding to its interest. 



To execute the suppling exercises a movement is announced and 

 begun without further command. The movement is then continued 

 and repeated until the command: x'VS YOU WERE. 



The riders take the reins in one or both hands, drop and retake them, 

 as necessary, without command. 



Flexion of the loins: At the command BEND TO THE RIGHT 

 AND LEFT, the rider, without deranging the position of the hands or 

 of the part of the body below the waist, slowly declines the upper part 

 of the body to the right ; then, returning slowly through the initial posi- 

 tion, makes a corresponding movement to the left. 



At the command STROKE YOUR HORSE ON THE RIGHT 

 FLANK, sit dowm in the saddle by pushing the buttocks forward, turn 

 the body at the hips, w^ithout deranging the position of the legs and, 

 leaning backward but not to the side, place the right hand as low as 

 possible on the horse's flank. 



Rotation of the loins: At the command STROKE YOUR HORSE 

 ON THE LEFT HAUNCH WITH THE RIGHT HAND, turn in the 



