HINTS ON HORSEMANSHIP. 3 



shortened, by drawing them with the right hand through the 

 left, as if they were separated by the fourth finger only. I 

 always adopt this mode myself when my sword is in my hand, 

 and should think it worth trial for all soldiers. But I see 

 no reason why, because soldiers are compelled to guide their 

 horses with the left hand only, and with the fourth finger 

 only between the reins, fcbat ladies and civilians should be 

 condemned to the same system. On the contrary, I would 

 have ladies ride in general with single-curb bridles. But 

 they, as well as gentlemen, when double bridles are used, 

 should ride with only one at a time. The rein of the other 

 should lie loose or knotted up on the horse's neck : and they 

 should use both hands to the reins, whether of the curb or the 

 snaffle, precisely the same as a rough-rider, or colt-breaker, 

 uses the reins of a single snaffle ; except that the reins 

 should pass outside the fourth fingers from the thumb, 

 instead of between them and the third fingers. 



Fasten the ends of a rein, or a piece of tape of the same 



b 2 



