HINTS ON HORSEMANSHIP. 37 



uneasy and fidget. In long rides the reins may be also held so, 

 when the horse is going quietly at an extended walk ; but 

 neither rein must be loose. The bearing on his mouth, how- 

 ever lightly, must still be felt ; and if the horse in attempting 

 to stare about, — as colts and ill-ridden horses will, — should 

 throw his head to the right, it must be stopped by the feeling 

 of the tip of the fourth finger on the left rein ; or if he throw 

 his head to the left, by that of the first finger on the right 

 rein ; but, provided the bearing on the horse's mouth, and 

 this power of keeping his head straight, be preserved, a horse 

 cannot have too much liberty under the circumstances sup- 

 posed. Observe, a lady should never rest her hand on her 

 knee, nor a gentleman his on the pummel or neck. If a 

 gradual turn be made to the right, both reins must be pulled, 

 the right the strongest, by feeling the tip of the first finger 

 towards your right shoulder. Both legs must be pressed, 

 the left the strongest. The lady, if her horse will answer the 

 leg, must press it ; if not, she must touch the left shoulder with 



