CH. XII BUCKLING THE REINS 2JT, 



especially in cold weather, and if it once leaves the 

 finder it is sure to pfo overboard. 



The weight of argument and experience seems 

 to be in favour of bucklinp- the wheel-reins, at least. 

 From its position in the hand, it is hardly likely 

 that a lead-rein could be dropped. If the reins 

 are to be buckled, it should be done before getting 

 up, since it is at the moment of starting that the 

 rein is the most liable to slip away. 



I long ago devised a way of satisfying all the 

 conditions, and have used it for many years. It 

 is to have (see Fig. 129) the usual loop, or keeper, 

 on the near rein, but without 

 any buckle, and on the off 

 rein a somewhat long point, 

 with a hollow cut in each 

 edee of the rein behind the 

 point, so that when the end of the rein (which fits as 

 tightly into the loop as will permit it to be forced 

 through) is once in, a considerable force is required 

 to pull it out, and it is, for all practical purposes, the 

 same as if buckled. 



If a rein is dropped, it cannot get away, but it 

 will be released by a strong pull, and at a change 

 the reins can be separated by a single jerk. 



This device has the still greater advantage, 



equally important in driving one or two horses as 



in driving: four, that should the driver be thrown 



off, he cannot be dragged by the reins, which will 



immediately come apart. 



18 



