THE HANDS. 301 



gentle men, thougli this is more from lack of decision and 

 energy than from any other cause. Practice alone can 

 ensure a delicate hand, unless it be a natural gift. Some 

 hints towards holding the reins properly will assist ma- 

 terially. 



Ladies, particularly those with very small hands, will 

 often find it burdensome to hold their reins both in one 

 hand, as is universally taught in our riding-schools. For 

 young riders it is best to use both hands, pulling the right 

 rein when they wish to go to the right hand, and the left 

 when they wish to go to the left. It is better for new be- 

 ginners to ride with one bridle and two hands, than with 

 two bridles and one hand : it ensures a square seat, and 

 ■ gives that power which can only be dispensed with when 

 great skill is acquired. A man has the power of turning 

 a horse, to a certain extent, with his legs and spurs ; a wo- 

 man must depend on her reins, her Avhip, and her left leg. 

 The best way for a lady is, if her hand be light, to knot up 

 the snaffle and let it rest within her reach, in case of acci- 

 dent to the other rein. Or, if her touch be not delicate 

 enough for the curb, let her hold it lightly and depend on 

 the snaffle. In this case the snaffle should be taken on 

 either side of the second finger of the bridle hand, and the 

 curb on either side of the little finger. Eeverse the order, if 

 it is desirable to use the curb. Two reins are certainly 

 more safe, and sufl&cient practice will enable a lady to use 

 them with perfect ease. She should be able to shift them 

 instantly to the right hand, without slackening her pace, in 

 case of disarrangement of her skirt, or other accident. 



Ladies, whose hands are sufficiently large, may ride with 

 the four reins gathered in the left hand, keeping the elbow 

 close to the side, and the thumb pointed upward, as re- 

 commended for gentlemen ; but usually with ordinary 

 reins, only the snaffle, or the curb-rein, — as the case may 



