DR/l'ING 107 



right hand in front of the left, but if you wish 

 a stronger hold, put the right hand over the 

 left, and holding the reins in the right hand, 

 draw it back, slipping the left hand in front of 

 the right again. Never poke your hands out 

 in front. It is well, too, to remember how 

 slight a touch is needed to guide your horse or 

 horses, if they are well bitted and properly 

 harnessed. 



In trotting horses should never be allowed 

 to lollop along in the slovenly fashion so often 

 seen, but should always go collectedly and 

 apparently well within their speed : that is, 

 if a horse is Qroino- eio-ht miles an hour, he 

 should give to spectators the impression he 

 could do ten if his driver would let him. 



There is another much-disputed point on which 

 I must say a word, and that is bearing-reins. 

 Little cobs and ponies do not want them. Big- 

 horses are pleasanter to drive, and, as I verily 

 believe, 00 with more comfort to themselves 

 with a bearing-rein properly put on. Of course 

 it need not be said that the absurd and cruel 

 bearing- up, too often still to be seen in the 

 London streets, is an abuse. But if the bear- 

 ing-rein be so put on as not to wrinkle up the 

 corners of the horse's mouth and to give him 

 liberty to carry his head in a natural position, 

 then I think it is useful, and with a woman. 



