30 HINTS ON HORSEMANSHIP. 



horse changes from left shoulder in to left passage, 'that is, 

 he continues to look to the left, but crosses his legs and goes 

 sideways to the left, instead of to the right. As the legs 

 alone make this change, they may be said to guide here. 

 These are useful lessons, and together with reining back, 

 should be taught to all horses and all horsemen, if only 

 for the facility they give in opening gates and hurdles. 



To practise the indications of the hands, take the bridle, 

 which is attached to the chair, at full length, with the tips 

 of the four fingers of the left hand between the reins, at the 

 centre, securing them between the tips of the second and 

 third fingers and thumb, the first and fourth fingers detached, 

 to facilitate their working on the rein proper to each, the 

 wrist turned down, and the back of the hand to the front. If 

 the length of the rein suits, they may be so held when you have 

 occasion to stand still for a length of time ; for the horse, 

 when in repose, is in his most extended posture. If, indeed, 

 you force him to stand collected for a length of time, he will be 



