HOW TO HOLD THE REINS. 



By adopting the system I have described, the rider 

 will be enabled to obtain the firmest possible hold on 

 the reins, while he can, with precision and rapidity, effect 

 every necessary change of grip, without disturbing in 

 the slightest the " even feeling " on the animal's mouth 

 which is essential to all fine horsemanship. 



In military equitation, the cavalry man is taught to 

 maintain his hold on the reins by the lateral pressure of 



Y'lz. 6. 



his fingers, and by the downward pressure of the thumb 

 on them. The reins are divided by the little finger, and 

 are brought up through the hand between the fore- 

 finger and thumb. It goes without saying that this 

 method, or any modification of it, is far more tiring to 

 the hand, and affords a much less firm grip on the reins, 



