58 NOTES ON EQUITATION 



fore they should never be combined to exact bending. 



3. It is just the reverse with the curb bit, the reins of 

 which are rarely separate in their action. The main object 

 in view is a light feel on both reins. 



4. Do not bend the neck (laterally). In setting the 

 head the upper part of the neck is involved and that is 

 generally enough. 



5. Frequently follow up the bendings by easing the hand 

 and as soon as the horse has extended his neck to the full 

 extent, exact another bending with the head down. 



Bending lessons with the double bridle should be taken 

 up according to the following schedule: 



1. With the snaffle hit: Flexing the jaw by the use of 

 one rein. 



Setting the head to the right and to the left (as in a 

 change of direction). 



2. With both snaffle and curb bits: Lateral flexion by 

 the use of both right reins. (XII). 



Lateral flexion by the use of both left reins. 

 Setting the head by the use of both right reins. 



Setting the head by the use of both left reins. 



***** 



3. With the curb bit: Flexing the jaw by use of one 

 curb rein. 



Flexing the jaw by the use of both curb reins. (Direct 

 flexion). 



The 7nost important bendings are: 1. Setting the head 

 by use of one snaffle rein. 



2. Direct flexion (of the jaw) by use of both curb reins. 

 Dismounted Bending Lessons. Dismounted bending lessons 

 should be the exception. If obliged to resort to them, they 

 should be curtailed to the two following: 



1. Flexing the jaw, executed by taking one or both 

 snaffle reins in the hand in front and one or both curb reins 

 in the hand in rear. 



2. Raising the head by the use of the snaffle. The 

 trooper stands in front of the horse, facing him, and takes 



