32 MODERN HORSEMANSHIP. 



curb bit, we use what Is called the indirect indica- 

 tion of the reins ; that is, in turning to the right the 

 bridle hand Is carried to the right, so that the out- 

 side (or left) rein Is brought against the left side 

 of the neck of the horse, and produces the desired 

 effect ; and In turning to the left the hand is carried 

 to the left, so that the outside (or right) rein Is 

 brought against the right side of the neck of the 

 horse, and so demands the desired turn. But I 

 strongly advise that the horse should also be accus- 

 tomed to obey the direct Indications of the curb 

 reins, which can easily be done without confusing 

 the two Indications, as the indirect rein does not 

 give Its indication until the horse's neck intervenes 

 between the hand and the bit. And this direct indi- 

 cation should always precede the indirect indication 

 in the following manner : if the rider takes the 

 curb reins, divided by the little finger in the left 

 hand (the loose ends of the reins being drawn 

 through the hand, and held against the forefinger 

 by the thumb), and holds his hand in front of his 

 body, so that the thumb is uppermost and points to- 

 wards the horse's ears, he can give a slight direct 

 tension upon the left curb rein by bending his hand 

 so that the thumb points towards the ground over 

 the left shoulder of the horse, and then he can give 

 an indirect Indication to the same effect by carrying 



