THE LENGTH OF THE REINS 



89 



the horse's neck. The reason for this has been 

 that we have ridden with our reins too long. 



If we turn to sketch No. 9 we shall see the length 

 of rein that a jockey should have when going up 

 to the post if he has reason to prepare for the 

 " unexpected." He doesn't look so comfortable, or 



Sketch No. 9 



But if you are wise, and suspect a sudden movement of your 

 horse, you will ride with your reins this length. It is not qmte 

 so comfortable or so graceful, but — 



SO " insouciant," as the rider in sketch No. 6, but 

 he is ready for any eventuality which No. 6 is not ; 

 and if we now turn to sketch No. 10, and compare 

 that with Nos. 7 and 8, we can easily see which 

 has the best control. There is no time to shorten 

 the reins after the bound the horse has taken, so 

 the wise man does so before. 



To me, of all the difficulties of riding, this question 



