164 THE AMERICAN HORSEWOMAN. 



hand becomes loose, it may be tightened, by 

 carrying the right hand to and over the left 

 one, seizing the loose rein by its disengaged end 

 that hangs loosely from the left index finger, 

 and drawing it up as far as is necessary. While 

 this is being done, the left hand must not be 

 removed from its position, and should continue 

 to keep up a steady pressure upon the horse's 

 mouth. 



In requiring the horse to stop, to back, to 

 turn, or to advance, the management of the 

 double bridle-reins will be exactly the same as 

 stated in the directions given when holding the 

 snaffle-reins in the left hand. 



When both the curb and the snaffle reins 

 are held in the bridle-hand, they may be changed 

 to the right hand, when this is desired, as fol- 

 lows : The right hand must be carried to the 

 left ; the second finger of the right hand must 

 be placed between the snaffle-reins (already sep- 

 arated by the second finger of the left hand) ; 

 and the little finger of the right hand between 

 the curb-reins (already separated by the little 

 finger of the left hand) ; this done, the thumb 

 and fingers of the right hand must be closed 

 upon the reins, which must, at the same time, 

 be released by the left hand. 



To restore these reins to the left hand, the 



