XXV. 



Holding the snaffle reins. — When the horse is ridden 

 in the snaffle bridle, the rider takes one rein in each 

 hand — 



the reins coming in on the underside of the little finger, and coming 

 out over the second joint of the forefinger, on which the thumb firmly 

 holds the rein; the other fingers closed on the reins, nails toward the 

 body. * * * Hands about 6 inches apart, on a level with the 

 elbows, backs straight up and down and outward. — United States 

 Cavalry Drill Regulations, paragraph 195. 



With the double snaffle, the rider takes two reins in 

 each hand. The reins of the lower snaffle bit (correspond- 

 ing to the curb bit) pass between the third and little 

 finger; the reins of the upper snaffle bit pass under the 

 little finger, and both reins are held upon the forefinger 

 by the thumb as explained above. 



:(: :i< * * Hs 



Holding the double bridle reins. — ^With horses that pull 

 hard, and more especially with horses that struggle or 

 fight, it is a distinct advantage to hold the reins in English 

 fashion, that is, with two reins in each hand as described 

 above for the double snaffle." 



a To take the double bridle reins in one hand (the left) turn the 

 right wrist to the left until the back of the right hand is up; move the 

 right hand to the left and insert the second finger of the left hand 

 between the two reins (right snafBe rein uppermost). All four reins 

 are held upon the second joint of the forefinger by the thumb. To 

 pass the reins from the left hand to the right hand, turn over the back 

 of the left hand to the right and insert the extended fingers of the right 

 hand between the reins in such a manner that there will be a rein above 

 each finger (left snaffle rein uppermost), the four reins coming out under 

 the little finger instead of above the forefinger. If the hands are 

 habitually held back up, as is frequently done, the passing of the four 

 reins from one hand to the other is much simplified. — The Board. 



80 



