xii A BRIEF SYNOPSIS OF CONTENTS. 



PAGE 



other. Obstinacy of some pupils, and wrong ideas of 

 others. Ladies should not be in too much haste to be- 

 come riders before they understand all the elementary and 

 necessary requirements ; but should advance carefully, at- 

 tentively, and thoroughly. Suggestions to teachers of 

 ladies in equitation 114 



CHAPTER VI. 



HOLDING THE REINS, AND MANAGING THE HORSE. 



A thorough knowledge of the management of the horse 

 highly necessary for a lady. Position in the saddle has 

 an important influence. Horses generally more gentle 

 with women than with men. Position should be acquired 

 first, and afterwards the reins be used. How to hold 

 the hands and snaffle-reins, in first lessons. To turn the 

 horse to the right, to the left, to back him, to stop him, 

 with a snaffle-rein in each hand. Manner of holding the 

 snaffle-reins in the bridle-hand ; to turn the horse to either 

 side ; to back, and to stop him. To change the snaffle- 

 reins from the left to the right hand ; to reinstate them in 

 the bridle-hand. To separate the snaffle-reins; to shorten 

 or lengthen them. To hold the curb and bridoon, or 

 double bridle-reins; to shorten or lengthen them ; to shorten 

 the curb and lengthen the snaffle-reins; to shorten the 

 snaffle and lengthen the curb-reins. To tighten a rein 

 that has become loose. To change the double bridle from 

 the left to the right hand; to return it to the left hand. 



Management of reins when making quick turns. Euro- 

 pean manner of holding the double bridle-reins, a pair in 

 each hand. The equestrienne should practice and per- 

 fect herself in these various manoeuvrings with the reins. 



The proper rein-hold creates a correspondence between 

 the rider's hand and the horse's mouth, and gives support 

 to the animal. Give and take movements. The dead- 

 pull. In collecting the horse the curb must be used. 



