142 HOW TO HOLD THE REINS. 



SHORTENING THE REINS. 



In shortening the reins we should alter the feeling 

 on them as little as possible, and should carefully keep 

 them at the same length, so as not to interfere with 

 the horse's mouth. If a rein is in each hand (Fig. 71), 

 we had best pass the off rein into the left hand (Fig. 

 72) ; close the left hand on both reins (Fig. 73) ; slip 

 the right hand forward on the off rein till the proper 

 length is obtained ; take up both reins in the right 



Fig. 77- Reins held in one hand in military fashion. 



hand ; let go the slack of the reins with the left hand ; 

 take up the near rein with the left hand ; and separate 

 the hands. 



If the reins are held in one hand (the left, for in- 

 stance), take them up in the right hand ; slip the left 

 hand forward on the near rein ; and, when the desired 

 length is obtained, take up both reins with the left 

 hand. 



MILITARY METHOD OF HOLDING THE REINS. 



In almost all riding schools, ladies are taught to 

 hold the reins in military fashion, which enacts that 



