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GRACEFUL RIDING. 



Mith the whip and heel, so that he may get used to 

 icork on his haunches. By this means he will be 

 thrown upon them, and, consequently, "go light in 

 hand,'' the greater weight being taken from off his 

 forehand, by which his carriage and general appear- 

 ance is materially improved. 



After many essays, the author has found the 

 following method to be the most correct and safe 

 for holding the reins, when using one or both hands. 

 By it the rider has a much firmer hold — or, in 

 professional parlance, "purchase'' — upon the reins, 

 in keeping them from slipping, consequently, a 

 greater command over the horse, and can more 

 readily allow either rein to slip should he desire to 

 use but one. 



FOR HOLDING THE REINS IN ONE HAND. 



The reins should hanG; unticisted from the bits. 



The rider must take up the bridoon reins with his 

 right hand, and pass the second and third fingers 

 of the bridle, or left, hand between them, draw 

 up the reins with the right hand, until the horse's 

 mouth can be felt, and then pass them between 

 the forefinger and thumb. Next take up the 

 curb reins (again with the right hand), and pass the 

 little finger of the bridle hand between them, draw 



