ix.] 93 



CHAPTER IX. 



THE SHORT REIN. 



The short rein should be used when one hand is occupied. Its use to a 

 soldier. Its use with the restive horse. It should not be used in 

 hunting, or in swimming a horse. Objection to it for common riding. 

 Used by postilion. Short rein of the Eastern horseman. 



IF you have anything to carry which entirely occupies Should be 



used when 



one hand, and which occasionally may require both, such 

 as an umbrella in wind, or an over-fresh horse to lead at 

 a quick pace, tie up one or both reins ; it obviates the 

 possibility of a horse, wild with his head, drawing the 

 reins through the hand, and consequently the necessity 

 of using both hands to shorten them. At the same time, 

 being held with the breadth of the whole hand, at the 

 centre, distinct single-handed indications can be given on 

 the reins. 



A soldier should go to single combat with one of his 



