89 



cause. It is an open question, whether 

 side-saddles should not be so made that the 

 rider cannot put her weight too far back, 

 but it is, at least right, to point out that 

 prevalent error, which each horsewoman 

 should try to rectify for herself 



THE lady's reins. 



The little finger of the bridle hand 

 should be placed between the reins when a 

 single rein bridle is used, and after a light 

 and even feeling of the mouth has been 

 obtained, the end should be passed over 

 the forefinger, and the thumb should be 

 closed on the reins. When a double rein 

 bridle is used, the third finger of the bridle 

 hand is placed between the curb reins, and 

 the last three fingers between the snafHe 

 reins, the ends of both being turned over 

 the fore finger, and the thumb closed on 

 them, thus the little finger divides the 

 near, and the second finger the off reins. 

 This is preferable to holding the reins in 

 the reverse position, viz. : with the third 

 finger between the snaffle reins, and the 

 curb reins outside ; the greater leverage 

 should, of course, be on the snaffle. 

 When a lady rides with the reins in both 



