356 



EQUESTEIANISM. 



stirrup, and close ilic knees against the horse to keep a 

 firm seat while trotting fast. 



It is impossible to ride really avcII on an average horse 



without a curb bit; 

 but it is impossible 

 to ride well on any 

 horse unless the 

 curb bit is properly 

 made and projjcrly 

 adjusted. And no 

 one can either ride 

 with pleasure or be- 

 come really a good 

 horseman on a horse 

 that is in constant 

 pain from an ill-fit- 

 ting bit. 



The beginner should use the reins of the snaffle only, 

 grasping a rein in each hand at a length that will give him 

 command of the horse. The proper manner of holding the 

 reins, is, however, in the left hand, the curb reins divided 



Fig. 245. — Position in mounting. 



Fig. 246.— Army Bit. 



Fio. 247.— Ordinary Bit. 



by the little finger, the snaffle reins divided by the middle 

 fmger, the ends of both sets carried up through the hand 

 and secured by the thumb, which should be uppermost, 



