Hauling on this rope draws the required portion of the sail up to the yard in readiness to be reefed.
The reef tackles were hauled out, and the buntlines hauled up to bring the sail where it could be easily handled.

When the sail is to be reefed, the seamen have to a "lay out" on the yards, and tie up the sail.

To enable them to do this with safety, there are horses, or foot-ropes, extending from the slings, or middle of the spar, to the yard-arms.

This rope hangs below the yard, the middle parts being supported by stirrups.

When a man is to "lay out," he throws his breast across the yard with his feet on the horse.