Explanation of Rein Drill.
I haven't been able to locate a professional copy of a explanation of Rein Drill but will keep looking, until then the explanation below is from Google and I am endeavouring to talk Tonia into letting us video her with a demonstration..........Tracey
It is really not that difficult - you just need to practice a bit, but it is considered to be "the safest way to mount/dismount from a horse". Really complicated to explain without actually demonstrating it at the same time.
To dismount, reins in left hand, right thumb in gullet, swing right leg over the horse and dismount - being careful not to touch horse with leg - gently landing facing the off side hip.
Now right hand goes to the reins, spread out fingers to make it as wide as you can between thumb and little finger and slide this right hand up to the buckle.Left hand slides down towards the bit on the left rein, and holds left rein close to bit, but don't close fist around any buckles (could rip through hand if horse pulls), then right hand takes reins over horses head, right ear, left ear and place buckle on left wrist. Right hand then holds both reins below bit (as if you were going to lead horse), left habd does this tricky twist and slide that ends up with left hand holding reins about 1 foot from the end (buckle end) and no twists in the reins. Then you walk horse forward to square him up , even if square you walk forward, the theory being he may have fallen asleep, and you need to make sure he wont startle or fall over as you mount. You give the nod to the judge who will instruct you to mount the horse.
So now, Left hand slides down to buckle, with fingers spread out, right hand lets go of the right rein, left hand takes reins over horses head, right ear, left ear , place reins half way up horse neck, with slack of reins on the near side. Left heand goes to where right hand was holding the reins, right hand slides up to crest, left hand slides up to right hand, right thumb goes to gullet, left foot in stirrup, mount, right foot in stirrup, reins in both hands, smile at judge.
THE END!