Reins v. No Reins 147 



the least successful of which was jumping a low 

 hurdle (Thormanby). Later on, officers on the 

 Continent began organizing jumping competitions 

 and steeplechases, and as the outcome of their ex- 

 perience declared that the best and most scientific 

 method of instruction in riding was to commence 

 without reins. Jumping had taught them that more 

 freedom of movement for horse and man was neces- 

 sary, and that this was the way to attain it. We 

 Englishmen alone lagged behind, though since 1907 

 the custom has been gradually gaining ground. 

 In our Army, instead of following the advice and 

 benefiting by the experience of our own writers on 

 the subject, we have waited for Europe to show us 

 the best way. 



M. Bourgelat, writing in 1744, remarked that 

 riding with the end of the rein in the right hand 

 might be practised with great caution on a well 

 " dressed " horse, and that it gave '' prodigious 

 grace to the horseman " ; but care should be taken 

 to " counterbalance " by leaning the body back ! 

 Berenger reccmm.ended instruction without reins, 

 Pembroke also, but only for " unfeeling fellows," 

 and Adams prescribed it for those who did not 



