HOLDING SINGLE REINS. 157 



then pass the off rein into it in the manner just described. 

 With the reins held in one hand (say, the left), we should not 

 hold the knuckles in a vertical position ; For by doing so, the 

 off rein will come up higher on the horse's neck than the near 

 rein. On the contrary, the knuckles should be carried more 

 or less horizontally, as they would be when the hand is 



Fig. 161. Double reins held separately in two bands. 



allowed to fall without stiffness from the wrist. Whether 

 the reins are held in one hand or in two, we should avoid 

 " rounding the wrists," not only on account of the consequent 

 stiffness imparted to these joints, but also because that action 

 tends to cause the elbows to be carried outwards, and thus 

 diminishes the force which the arms are capable of exert- 

 ing on the reins. 



