Cross- Country Riding. 47 



elasticity of knee and ankle in this position will 

 assist in taking off the jar of the horse's com- 

 pact with the ground. 



In handling four reins in one hand, the left 

 snaffle should be outside little finger, right snaffle 

 between first and middle fingers, left curb be- 

 tween little and third finger, and right curb be- 

 tween middle and third fingers, the ends of all 

 four drawn upward and between thumb and first 

 finger, falling over the thumb — being pressed 

 against first finger by thumb. 



The snaffle and curb reins may be taken up 

 or relaxed quickly by the right hand without re- 

 leasing hold or position of same with left hand, 

 which would cause confusion. 



In jumping, it is well to reverse the relative 

 position of the snaffle and curb reins, as the curb 

 will seldom be brought into use and should be 

 used sparingly. 



Remember the reins are the telephone wires 

 that establish communication between horse and 

 rider, and are not intended for punishment or 

 torture. Cruel bits never cured a confirmed 

 bolter or puller, and should be condemned. 



The elbows should be carried against side of 

 body, hands low down close to body, knuckles 

 out, wrists slightly bent. In jumping never 

 throw up the arms. This is a fault I uncon- 

 sciously possessed, and never knew it until I no- 

 ticed it in photos taken while fencing. Had any 

 4 



