86 HORSEMANSHir. 



tween the two outer pommels, and the left foot in the 

 stirrup, having the toe well raised and the foot parallel 

 to the side of the horse. Adjust the dress, take up the 

 reins, place the bridle-hand in position, and take the 

 whip in the right hand. 



The length of the stirrup-leather is measured by the 

 sole of the stirrup-iron touching the ankle-bone, as the 

 leg hangs down loose. In arranging the reins, take up 

 the snaffle-rein across the inside of the left hand, and 

 draw the bit-reins through on each side of the little or 

 of the third finger, until the mouth of the horse be 

 gently felt. Turn the remainder of the reins along the 

 inside of the hand, and let it fall over the fore-finger on 

 the off side. Place the snaffle-reins upon those of the 

 bit, and the thumb upon them all, having the hand well 

 closed. The proper position of the bridle-hand is imme- 

 diately opposite the centre of the waist, and about three 

 or four inches from it. It is on a level with the elbow 

 and slightly rounded outwards at the wrist. The arm 

 must hang straight down from the shoulder, and nearly 

 close to the side. The body must be perfectly upright 

 and square to the front, having the waist well drawn in, 

 but without any appearance of constraint. The body 

 must be full in the centre of the saddle, and great care 



