THE LENGTH OF THE REINS 49 



forming up for the start of a polo match. Just 

 as one's stirrups feel too short when the horse is 

 comparatively stationary, so do the reins, when 

 held at the proper length for galloping and jump- 

 ing, also feel much too short. But as it is necessary 

 to be in the " anticipatory " length for one's legs, 

 so is it also necessary to be similarly placed in 

 reference to one's hands. 



A rider likes to look " at home " in the saddle, 

 especially when his friends are near, sitting upright, 

 and in a position to be " snapshotted." 



If his reins are the proper length, his body is 

 leaning forward and his hands are on each side 

 of the withers. It looks awkward and feels awk- 

 ward, and gives the appearance of " nervousness." 

 But that can't be helped. We must be in a pre- 

 paratory position, just as a boxer is before the 

 opening blow is struck. With the rider this means 

 short stirrups, short reins ; with the boxer it is 

 hands and body forward, and knees bent. They 

 are both the same only differently expressed, both 

 are prepared for coming events, and both are right. 

 The principle is simple and obvious, but it has to 

 be explained to be understood. 



As with the stirrups, the question must be 

 answered as to how the rider is to know whether 

 he is riding with his reins the right length or not, 

 and the reply is similar. The reins should be as 

 long as possible, after one is assured that they are 

 short enough to enable the body to be thrown as 

 far forward as probable circumstances demand. 

 If we are only trotting they can be fairly long, 



