REINS, VOICE, AND WHIP. 



109 



beeinning-. It is a sensible method : one which all colt- 

 breakers adopt, and they are not bad judges of such matters. 

 Ladies, however, rarely adopt the practice ; it is not allowed 

 in many of the most approved schools — but, in my opinion, 

 " Put both hands to your bridle " is excellent premonitory 

 advice. Begin by riding with a bridoon, or snaffle rein, 

 only. Let your fingers lie above it — not underneath, — the 

 thumbs pointing toward one another, at a distance of about 

 three or four inches apart, the off leather resting between 



REINS : TWO HANDS. 



the third and little fingers of the right hand, while the 

 slack of the near passes between the first finger and the 

 thumb. The illustration will show you what I mean, and 

 demonstrate how by this rule both hands have equal com- 

 mand upon the bridle. 



To shorten your reins quickly : let go the slack of the off 

 one with the left hand, and slip it forvv^ard on the near 

 leather, until you have judged (rapidly, of course) of the 

 correct length ; then take the off one between the thumb 



