230 MOUNTED INSTRUCTION 



In circles (Par, 306), the outer rein "measures" the amount of bend 

 to the horse's neck when the reins are held in both hands. Hence, if the 

 horse bends his neck to the inside too much, the outer rein will check 

 the bend. Because of the difficulty in bending his body around the 

 circle, the horse will tend to slow the gait during this movement. The 

 rider must then change his aids to the "forward drive" and then resume 

 the proper aids for circling. 



THIRD TWELVE DAY PERIOD 



Equitation 



(Light Batteries) 



All references are to Provisional Drill and Service Regulations for 

 Field Artillery (Horse and Light), 1917. 

 Lessons 1 to 12. 



Take up Equitation movements as taught in Second and Third 

 twelve Day Periods. 



Side stepping Par. 315. Posting Par. 361 and 362. 



Note: 1. The side step, with slight modifications, is used in limber- 

 ing. In this operation the horse swings on an arc of a circle in addition 

 to the side step movement. The aids applied will be considered in the 

 following discussion ; the direction of side stepping is assumed as left. 



The horse is gathered, weight transferred slightly to the left buttock, 

 right rein bears, left rein leads, moving the horse's forehand to the left 

 at the same time both reins are ready to prevent too much movement, 

 the right leg becomes active and pushes the horse's haunches to the 

 left. The left leg acts as a guard and prevents the haunches swinging 

 too far. Use the voice and proper aids in halting and straightening. 

 When the reins are held in one hand only; the bearing rein is used but 

 it will be remembered that in previous discussion of the use of the 

 rein it was shown that there were two efifects, leading and pushing. 



When the movement for limbering is practiced with the pair, the 

 driver, in addition to applying the above mentioned aid to the near 

 horse, must apply the proper aids to the ofiF horse, (whip, voice, and 

 rein. See Drill Regulations.) 



Note : 2 When rising to the trot the instructor must pay attention 

 to the following points : 



(a) That the rider's back is supple and bows to the rear only where 

 the belt crosses the spinal column. 



(b) That the rider's body moves forward and upward when rising 

 to the trot. The knees act as a pivot in this case. 



Under no circumstances should the rider while rising to the trot, 

 hollow the back. If the back is bowed inward the buttocks are not 

 under the rider; furthermore, when rising to the trot under these 

 circumstances, the body will not conform to the motion of the horse, 

 but will rise from the saddle in a vertical direction only. There is 

 always an "effort" on the part of the rider to post if the back is hol- 

 lowed. In posting the rider should receive the propulsion from the 

 thrust of the hind leg. 



