Page:Notes on equitation and horse training.djvu/58

 (2) Bendings with the snaffle bit should not be made except with one rein alone. Both snaffle reins are used in order to raise the head and to support the horse and therefore 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 bit.—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 most 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.