MANAGEMENT OF THE HORSE. 149 



only should be used, a rein in each hand. 

 It will be better to have the reins marked at 

 equal distances from the bit, either by sewing 

 colored thread across each, or otherwise; this 

 will be useful because, with the novice, the 

 reins will imperceptibly slip through her hands, 

 or one rein will become longer than the other, 

 and the markings will enable her to notice 

 these displacements, and promptly to remedy 

 them. By holding the snaffle-reins separately, 



Fig. 25. Snaffle-reins ; one in each hand. 



in first lessons, the pupil will be aided in as- 

 suming a square position upon the saddle, and 

 will likewise be prevented from throwing back 

 her right shoulder, out of line with the left, a 

 common fault with beginners, especially when 

 the reins are held only in the left hand. This 

 rein-hold is very simple ; the right rein of the 

 snaffle must be held in the right hand, and the 

 left rein in the left. 

 The hands being closed, but not too tightly, 



