THE HANDS 



inches to the front of the rider, 

 giving plenty of room for pulling 

 in the reins without changing the 

 grasp on them. All reins should 

 be clasped between the thumb 

 and first finger. Learn to press 

 the thumb on the reins as it is the 

 controller ; back of it lies all the 

 power and strength in holding 

 the reins. If the thumb does not 

 grasp the reins firmly, the rider is 

 likely to lose his reins and then 

 he comes up against danger. 



This manner of holding the 

 reins enables the rider to carry 

 the elbow close to his side, w^hich 

 is the graceful w^ay to carry it. 

 Very frequently one observes 

 riders w^ith the back of the hand 

 turned up, the knuckles up w^ards; 

 45 



