FIRST-HAND BITS OF STABLE LORE 



reins going through the hands, over the first 

 finger, and being firmly held there by the thumbs. 

 Thus arranged, knuckles up, the bridoon is 

 chiefly operative, and the horse faces that as he 

 should, except when cantering ; a mere turn of the 

 v^rist to thumbs up, however, and the curb (the 

 bit) comes into play through holding the knuckles 

 perpendicular, and the manipulation of either 

 hand and any rein is independent. The writer 

 does not attempt to say which method is right, but 

 gives his own and the reasons for its preference. 



Leaping will not be treated of here ; that is ex- 

 clusively the affair of the girl and her male rela- 

 tives. If they can, after looking at a side-saddle, 

 view with equanimity the possibility of a fallen 

 animal caparisoned with those formidable pom- 

 mels, rolling upon the prostrate form of wife or 

 sister, it is their privilege to allow the casualty to 

 be tempted. 



Ride your horse with hand, whip, and heel, and 

 except for the " whoa ! " which should mean in- 

 stant stop and stand, never speak to him. People 

 who do that sort of thing are a nuisance and a 

 menace; their eternal chirping is affecting every 

 horse in hearing. In the same way practise stop- 

 ping your horse, and making him stand still any- 



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