84 PARK RIDING. 



most, and the superfluous part over the first 

 finger, and kept in that position by the pressure 

 of the thumb. The bridle hand is the left hand, 

 and guides the horse better than any other helps. 



The left rein pressed against the neck, turns 

 the horse to the right ; pressure of the right rein 

 turns him to the left ; and therefore by both reins 

 being held in the bridle-hand you can make your 

 horse do all you require. It is said that the 

 quality of the hand is the best criterion to prove 

 tlie horseman, " so the principal study is seat and 

 hand to make good riders." 



The advantage of a light hand is, that you can 

 keep the horse's mouth sensible, active, and fresh. 

 It is a sign of a good horseman to hold your 

 horse so light in hand, as to be able to work him 

 by merely slackening or stiffening the hand ; the 

 moment the horse answers the motion of your 

 hand lower it. 



The hand, says a clever writer, is the excellence 

 of horsemanship, and is the most important study 

 for the pupil. 



