164 HOW TO HOLD THE REINS. 



them as in Fig. 162. Instead of holding the respective little 

 fingers between the two reins on each side, as in Figs. 161 and 

 162, we may keep the ring (third) fingers between them, as 

 in Fig. 163. This plan does not give such a strong hold on 

 the reins as that of having the little fingers between them ; 

 but it is the one generally adopted by jockeys, because it 

 leaves the little finger free to keep hold of the whip. 



HOLDING DOUBLE REINS IN ONE HAND. 

 The fore finger of, say, the left hand separates the two off 



Fig. 164. Holding double reins crossed in one hand. 



reins ; the third finger or the little finger (Fig. 164) divides 

 the two near ones ; and the reins are crossed in the palm 

 of the hand as with single reins. It is convenient (as we have 

 seen with double reins) to have the reins on which we want 

 to have the stronger pull, or, in other words, on which we 

 are riding, on the outside. If the rider wishes to use only one 

 rein, he may hold it crossed in his hand, and may hook up 

 the other on the middle finger, and let it loose (Fig. 165), or 

 draw it up to a greater or less extent. 



