108 HACKS AND HUNTERS 



the left. In the crossed-method plan both hands have 

 exactly the same hold on the reins, and they can be 

 passed from one to another, or held evenly in both 

 hands without lengthening or shortening one or the 

 other. (2) This method also prevents the reins from 

 slipping through the fingers as they do when held in 

 any other way. This is because in the crossed-rein 

 method the friction of the opposing surfaces of leather 

 is utilized to prevent slipping, and also because the 

 muscles which hold the reins in this way are stronger 

 than those which would simply press them together 

 between the fingers. (3) The modification of the 

 "Nelson wrap," formed by the crossed reins, acts, when 

 laid across the horse's withers, as a sort of support in 

 jumping, should the horse suddenly refuse or hit a 

 fence hard. (4) Held in this fashion, the reins are 

 absolutely even as to the pressure they exert, and in 

 showing a hack the outside rein, or bridoon rein, can 

 be loosened altogether, and all the pressure of the 

 fourth fingers in both hands brought to bear entirely 

 on the inside or bit rein, exactly as if only a single 

 rein were being used. 



The rider should never allow her mount to start 

 until the command is given, and if he attempts to do 

 so he should be gently checked. In order to start or 

 to increase the pace when already moving, the reins 

 should be gently shortened, not flapped or jerked, 

 and the animal should be lightly pressed with the 

 heel. Chirping or clucking is annoying to other 

 horses and should never be indulged in. 



When attempting to shorten the reins we should 

 alter the feeling of them as little as possible, and should 

 try to keep them at equal lengths so as not to interfere 

 with the horse's mouth. The easiest way to do this, 



