Page:Notes on equitation and horse training.djvu/85

Rh Considered separately, each rein can produce four important and distinct effects:

(1 ) Front to rear effect.—The rider pulls on the two reins alike, without pressing them on the neck and without opening the wrists. If the horse is moving, he will decrease the gait or halt; if the horse is halted, he will move backward.

(2) Opening effect.—The rider opens the right rein by carrying the wrist to the front and right. The horse's head will be drawn to the right and he will move in that direction. This is the direct rein.

(3) Bearing or pushing effect.—By pressing the left rein against the neck, the mass (forehand) is pushed to the right and the horse faces in that direction—this is the indirect rein, sometimes called the supporting rein.

(4) Opposing effect.—The rider opens the right rein lightly and then pulls either in the direction of the right haunch or in the direction of the left haunch. He is then said to set the shoulders in opposition to the haunches. The rein of opposition comes to the aid of the leg on the same side when the latter's action is insufficient or incomplete.