THE LENGTH OF THE REINS 



43 



is that directly the horse's hind legs reach the 

 ground he raises his forehand, and as he does so, 

 unless the reins are the same length as when 

 approaching the fence, the horse is completely out 



Sketch No. 13 



The position on landing. Note that the reins are the same 

 length as before, so that the rider is in a position to resume his 

 normal seat directly the horse's hind legs touch the ground. 

 The knee is still "pointed," and the stirrup leather is still 

 perpendicular, because the horse has not yet landed, and con- 

 sequently the force of impact has not come into play. The 

 horse also has complete freedom of the head. 



of control until the rider is able to " wind up " 

 his reins, and assume a normal position once more. 

 The next sketch (No. 14) shows the attitude 

 most steeplechase riders assume when landing over 

 a fence, and the following one (No. 15) the position 

 advocated in most books as the approved method 



