36 HAND-BOOK FOR HORSEWOMEN. 



making tall and slender persons hollow their backs 

 unduly. 



Pupils should be warned to avoid, as much as 

 may be, clasping the pommel too tightly with the 

 right knee, as a constant strain will fatigue them 

 and take away the reserve force which they may 

 need at a given moment ; indeed, a rider should be 

 taught from the first to economize his strength as 

 much as possible. 



As soon as the pupil can sit her horse correctly, 

 at a walk, holding the reins in both hands, she should 

 practice holding them in the left hand only, in case 

 she should wish to use her right hand during the 

 lesson. 



The English method of holding the reins of a 

 double bridle is, to bring all four up straight through 

 the fingers ; for instance, the curb-reins, being out- 

 side, go outside the little finger and between the 

 first and second fingers, while those of the snaffle 

 come between the fourth and middle and the middle 

 and first fingers. 



In France and in this country the reins are crossed, 

 the curb being below, outside the little finger, and be- 

 tween the third and middle fingers, while the snaffle 

 comes between the fourth and middle and the sec- 

 ond and first fingers. 



The latter method seems to me preferable, as it 

 is easier to separate the reins, and also to regulate 

 the amount of tension required . on one pair or the 

 other. In either position, the hand is held in front 



