MANAGEMENT OF THE HORSE. 157 



sued, whether the horse be in rapid or slow 

 motion : While the left hand must retain its 

 position and gentle pressure of the reins upon 

 the horse's mouth, the right must be carried to 

 and over the left hand, its forefinger be passed 

 between the two reins, so that the left rein will 

 be on the left side of this finger, and the right 

 on its right side, between the first and second 

 fingers ; both reins must now be carried to the 

 right, across the palm, to the little finger ; the 

 hand must then be firmly closed, and the thumb 

 be pressed against the left rein, holding it in 

 contact with the index finger, the left hand 

 now gives up the reins. In this change, while 

 the right hand is being carried over to the left, 

 this latter must be held stationary, as any move- 

 ment of it to meet the right hand may cause 

 the animal to turn or swerve from his course, 

 and will at the same time interfere with his 

 gait. 



To return the reins to the left hand, the 

 following course must be pursued : While the 

 right hand must remain steady and sustain the 

 gait of the horse, the left must be carried to 

 and over it, insert its little finger between the 

 two reins, so that the left one will be on the left 

 or outer side of this finger, and the right one 

 on its right side, between it and the third fin- 



