Horse Training by Modern Methods

by Allan Melvill Pope

Resistances are provoked if the spur remains in the side continuously, and the animal becomes disobedient and on the defensive. Continued contact should be replaced by repeated contacts of short duration of an intensity to fit the case.

The length of the spur varies with the length of the stirrup-leathers, the length of the leg of the rider, and the form of the horse. A general rule is that the spur should be of such a length as to be easily used without danger of unintentional usage during sudden displacements.

The Reins.

In the training of the horse the reins should be held in two hands. Single reins should be held as prescribed in the Cavalry Drill Regulations.

The following important rule should always be observed: The pressure of the rider’s legs, or of his heels, must always precede any action of the hand; in other words, the bit does not go back to the horse, but the horse goes forward against the bit.

It has been shown that by the action of the legs impulsion is produced in the horse, which causes a stretching of the neck to the front in order to begin or accelerate the forward movement. If as the head and neck stretch out the forward movement of the bit in the mouth is arrested by the hand, the bit is brought into stronger contact with the bars of the mouth, which produces its action. The action of the reins is thus produced after the action of the legs has produced its effect.

Kinds of Reins. (De Saint-Phalle.)

Open Rein.—This rein is used in turning the horse. The right rein, for example, is said to be open if the right hand is carried to the right and front. Reins are so used for the particular effect they have upon the horse’s head. The need of them is felt especially in the training of green horses, but also with a horse that refuses to turn and carries his head in the opposite direction from that in which the rider desires him to go. When the right rein is open, the horse’s head will be drawn to the right and he will be assisted in moving in that direction.

Direct Rein.—This rein acts parallel to the axis of the horse without intermediary action upon the neck. Reins used in this manner bring a little of the weight to the side on which they act, which with an obedient horse suffices to make him turn to that side. It is also used in turning the horse’s head at the poll so that the horse may look in the direction toward which he is going.