158 THE AMERICAN HORSEWOMAN. 



ger; then the reins must be drawn through 

 the left hand, and be arranged and held in this 

 hand in the same manner as explained when 

 describing the original position of both snaffle- 

 reins in the bridle-hand. 



These various changes must be made quickly 

 and expertly, without altering the degree of 

 pressure or pull upon the horse's mouth. The 

 novice will find it greatly to her advantage to 

 learn the management of the reins before mount- 

 ing the horse, and can do so by fastening the 

 bit-end of the reins to some stationary object, 

 and then practicing the different changes, until 

 she can perform all these manoeuvres without 

 looking at her hands or the reins. 



When both the reins are held in the left 

 hand, the rider has not so much command over 

 her horse as when they are held one in each 

 hand. For this reason, unless her steed be ex- 

 ceptionally well-trained and obedient, it will be 

 better, when in a crowded thoroughfare, where 

 quick turns have to be made, to hold a rein in 

 each hand, and this will become absolutely nec- 

 essary if the animal be hard mouthed or un- 

 ruly. 



When the horse is in motion and the reins are 

 held in the left hand, their separation may be 

 quickly effected by carrying the right hand to 



