54 GENERAL REMARKS. 



ought to do, it may also be useful to describe 

 what they ought not to do. 



It is inconceivable why ordinary riders con- 

 tinue the erroneous habit of holding their 

 hands with the bridle low down near the 

 pommel, where they can have no power to 

 restrain or guide the horse, unless it be for 

 the convenience of catching hold of the 

 pommel for security. 



Riders, in general, too, very erroneously 

 hold the reins of both the bridoon and curb- 

 bit at the same time in one hand, mystically 

 placing them at equal lengths, between all their 

 fingers, which prevents the use of either rein 

 separately, or any alteration on a sudden occa- 

 sion—besides, such a complication of both the 

 bits and reins is contrary to their construction. 

 But if a rider cannot hold the bridle with a 

 light hand, merely for the guidance of the 

 horse, let him use the bridoon only, with curb- 

 rein flowing from the palm of his hand. 



