34 MODERN HORSEMANSHIP. 



Other set be immediately brought into use. The 

 curb bit has a tendency to lower the head of the 

 horse, and the rider will often find that he must 

 make an upward play with one of the snaffle reins 

 to elevate the forehand, so that the balance between 

 the extremities may be maintained. 



In mounting a horse, when the double bridle is 

 used, the rider should take the snaffle reins in his 

 right hand, drawing the reins until he can just feel 

 the mouth of the horse. When he has reached 

 the saddle, and has placed his right foot on the 

 stirrup, he should pick up the curb reins in his left 

 hand, and draw them until he has the slightest 

 possible tension ; then he will gently close his legs 

 against the sides of the horse, and make very light 

 vibratory motions with the curb reins as they are 

 drawn towards his body. When the horse curves 

 the crest, holds up its head with the face nearly 

 vertical to the ground, offers an elastic touch 

 against the reins, and brings the hind-legs up to 

 the point where the rider feels that the impulses 

 are ready to be given, it is ' in hand,' and is pre- 

 pared to move.^ The legs of the rider will then 

 give a slightly increased pressure against the sides 

 of the horse, while the hand gives sufficient liberty 



' The horse can hold the absolute position of 'in hand ' in place — or the 

 closer collections of ' in union ' and ' the poise ' — only for a moment, as there 

 must be an impulse to render it perfect. 



