4S HINTS ON HORSEMANSHIP. 



In going through the practices enjoined above, there should 

 be nothing approaching to a jerk or shake of either rein. 

 Neither rein should be for an instant loosened ; but an equal 

 tension kept on both ; and both should be of precisely equal 

 length when crossed in one hand. 



To lengthen the reins, the pupil has only to let them slip 

 through the hands, paying equal attention to prevent jerking, 

 or uneven feeling on the horse's mouth. This adjustment 

 of the length of the reins should, in riding high-couraged, 

 hot, or pulling horses, be perpetually going on, so as to give 

 the appearance of playing with them ; and the facility of 

 doing it smoothly, and without disturbing the bearing on the 

 horse's mouth, or his being aware of it, is a most essential 

 feature in riding. Practise it well with the chair, with the 

 reins held by the tips of the fingers as directed, and also with 

 the reins held in the full grasp of the hand, the parts coming 

 from the horse's mouth entering the hands at the fourth 

 fingers, and the parts running towards the centre of the reins 



