HINTS ON HORSEMANSHIP. 47 



that with us, in driving, the left hand takes the reins from 

 below, with the back of the hand downward ; while the right 

 hand works from above, with the back of the hand upwards. 

 Whereas, in all cases, the Greeks appear to have worked with 

 both hands from above, with the back of the hands upward . 

 I think it a very easy, graceful, and effective mode of riding. 

 I, however, prefer the mode I have endeavoured to explain, 

 for many reasons, especially for ladies. They have to use the 

 whip with the right hand to urge the horse, and, in conse- 

 quence, must frequently ride with the reins in the left hand 

 only. In this case, by the mode I have advocated, as they will 

 have four fingers between the reins, instead of one only, they 

 will be the better enabled to give distinct indications with 

 them. Also this mode is better adapted for the use of the tips 

 of the fingers on the bridle ; and when the reins are taken in 

 the full grasp, the whole of each hand may be employed 

 instead of three fingers only ; whereby at once infinitely 

 greater delicacy, and infinitely greater power, are gained for 

 the bearing on the horse's mouth. 



