HIDING. 23 



Of the way of Holding a Horse by the 

 bridle, many persons, grooms, &c, are ignorant, 

 or careless. When the reins remain on the 

 horse's neck, the person to hold the horse is 

 firmly to grasp with his hand both sides of the 

 reins of the bridoon underneath, and within 

 six inches of the horse's chin, inserting his fore- 

 finger between the reins, not holding only on 

 one side. When the reins are not on the 

 withers, but turned over the head, the person 

 is to hold the horse by the bridoon reins, in 

 the same manner as prescribed for leading. 



Leading a Horse by the bridle is also too 

 carelessly and by some ignorantly performed, 

 whence accidents ensue. The person should 

 turn the bridoon (or snaffle) rein from the 

 withers over the horse's head, grasp both sides 

 of the rein with the right hand, placing his 

 fore-finger between, and holding it within six 

 inches of the chin ; then, taking the loop-end 

 of the rein in the left hand, proceed J)y the 

 horse'^ side, so as to be ready if he should 

 start or attempt to fly away, to place his own 

 shoulder firmly against him, and hold him in. 



