2 HINTS ON HORSEMANSHIP. 



more than one style of riding. But in all Europe, even in 

 England, there is but one style of riding taught, as a system : 

 that style is the manege, or military style. The military 

 style is, and must ever be, essentially a one-handed style, for 

 the soldier must have his right hand at liberty for his weapons. 

 The recruit is, indeed, made to ride with a single snaffle, in 

 two hands ; but only as a preparatory step to the one-handed 

 style. His left hand then becomes his bridle hand : and 

 that hand must hold the reins in such a manner as will 

 require the least possible aid from the sword hand to 

 shorten them, as occasion may require. This is with the 

 fourth finger from the thumb only between them. For 

 these reasons, as far as soldiers are concerned, I do not see 

 how the present system can be altered for the better ; unless 

 it be by placing three fingers of the left hand between the 

 reins, instead of the fourth finger only : namely, the second, 

 third, and fourth fingers from the thumb of the left hand. 

 The reins held in this way, are as easily and as quickly 



