Guidance of the tarn is done by virtue of a throat strap, to which are attached 6 leather streamers (or reins). The reins are of different colours but one learns them by ring position. Each of the reins attaches to a small ring on the throat strap. One draws on the rein which is attached to the ring most nearly approximating the direction in which one wishes to go. The reins are numbered in a clockwise position with the top ring being position 1. Some tarns are trained to respond to the reins, their owners voice, and lastly by the Tarnsmans body position, though this is very advanced.

one strap - to rise in flight or gain altitude

two strap - to ascend and veer to the right

three strap - to descend and veer to the right

four strap - to land or lose altitude

five strap - to descend and verr to the left

six strap - to ascend and veer to the left

releasing the reins - signal for straight and constant flight

'tabuk' - call given to the tarn to indicate that it is to hunt for food - rider may or may not be mounted when the call is made

 

- Outlaw Of Gor pg 126