FIRST-HAND BITS OF STABLE LORE 



the jeunesse dor'ee of those days abandon this 

 method, showing that fad is not entirely a modern 

 development. The second and third plans are 

 most useful if reins are to be taken in both 

 hands, as occasionally they must be, since they 

 are so placed that separation into rights and lefts 

 is easy. However, perhaps that consideration is 

 immaterial, as while we ridicule an equestrian 

 who does not ride his one horse with two hands, 

 we jeer more loudly at the charioteer who does 

 not drive four horses with one hand. Which 

 method you elect to use is for your personal 

 preference to decide. They all have advantages 

 and drawbacks ; they are all practical and proper. 

 " Opposition " looping is a delusion and a 

 snare. The best opposition is a turn of the 

 wrist, and the carrying of it right or left if your 

 wheelers are mouthed and mannerly; if not a 

 touch of the thong on the proper wheeler's shoul- 

 der prevents all trouble, or your right hand may 

 come to your assistance if needed. You have two 

 hands, why not use them ? or you may " oppose " 

 with the toe of your boot if you like ; undoubt- 

 edly the old-timers did, for with their thick reins 

 and low-grade, generally worn-out horses, no 

 other " opposition " but that of whip and main 



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