160 THE AMERICAN HORSEWOMAN. 



Another way of holding the reins in the bri- 

 dle-hand is to pass the right rein to the right 

 of, and underneath, the index finger, and then 

 carry it across the palm, so as to escape beyond 

 the little finger; while the left rein must be 

 passed to the left of the little finger (or be- 

 tween it and the third finger), and then be 

 carried across the palm to escape beyond the in- 

 dex finger. The author cannot recommend this 

 manner of holding the reins to ladies who desire 

 to become accomplished and graceful riders, be- 

 cause the movements of the hands and arms, 

 when turning, or managing the horse, are much 

 more conspicuous ; and there is not that deli- 

 cate correspondence with the animal's mouth 

 that can be obtained by the other methods de- 

 scribed. 



After the pupil has become expert in riding 

 with the snaffle, she will be ready for the double 

 bridle, or the curb-bit and bridoon. The 

 double bridle must be held in the left hand in 

 the following manner: The bridoon or snaffle- 

 reins are first to be taken up, evenly, by the 

 right hand and then the second finger of the 

 left hand be passed between these reins (the 

 left rein being between the second and third 

 fingers, and the right rein between the first and 

 second), the back of the hand being directed 



