NICETY OF TOUCH. 89 



bridle will have an imperfect bearing upon the mouth, 

 and the alternate rein will be quite relaxed. 



To rein backwards, the horse is brought to a momen- 

 tary halt, and the bearing upon the mouth is made 

 equally upon both reins, by turning up the little finger 

 to the breast; at the same time collecting the hind 

 quarters of the horse well under him, by gentle touches 

 of the whip. Thus the hand and the whip are ever in 

 unison, and act simultaneously. From the moment that 

 the lady has the horse in motion, until the ride be finished, 

 the hand must never cease its feeling upon the mouth. 

 Excellent practice in the uses of the hand can be 

 carried out at home, by means of the elastic india- 

 rubber band, and tape reins. 



It will be found generally that the lady attains this 

 delicacy of hand in riding with much greater facility 

 than the gentleman. With the lady it appears to be 

 spontaneous ; or it arises either from exquisite organisa- 

 tion or moral perception of right. There also exists a 

 total absence of presumptive knowledge, and a perfect 

 obedience to instruction. 



With the gentleman there is a feeling of contempt for 

 this lightness of hand. He can sit his horse by the 

 strength of his limbs, and he can guide him by the force 



