58 HINTS ON HORSEMANSHIP. 



single-handed indications can be given on them. A soldier 

 should go to a single combat with one of his reins in this 

 way. In the case of his adversary gaining his left rear, by 

 dropping the reins, the sword is then instantly shifted to the 

 left hand, and the rein as instantly grasped with the right, at 

 the proper length. As the soldier is only trained to use his 

 sword with his right hand, it is not, indeed, likely that his left 

 hand will be a match for his adversary's right ; but he will at 

 least be able to keep him at a distance, by striking, or pointing 

 at his horse's head, This would be a hopeless affair with 

 the right hand, particularly for a cuirassier. A pulling horse 

 may be ridden with one or both reins knotted in this way : 

 also a restive horse. His usual mode of defence is^ running 

 back and rearing ; because, from fear of his falling backward, 

 chastisement then usually ceases. In such a case, drop the 

 reins, lay hold of the mane with both hands, ply both spurs 

 severely, even while the horse is on his hind legs; and the 

 moment he flies from them, the reins are seized, in the mode to 



