THE REINS. 



Pupils, during their first lessons, may arrange the 

 reins in the following manner :— The right hand is re- 

 mo v^ed from the crutch of the saddle ; the reins are sepa- 

 rated, and one is held in each hand, passing up between 

 the third and fourth fingers, the ends being brought 

 over the fore-fingers, and held in their places by closing 

 the thimibs upon them, and shutting the hands : these 

 should be on a level with each other, at a little distance 

 apart, three inches from the body, or thereabouts, with 

 the knuckles of the little fingers in a line with the 

 elbow. By slightly advancing the hands, or even re- 

 laxing the hold of the reins, the horse, if well trained, 

 will go forward. The left hand is raised to turn to the 

 near or left side, and the right hand to turn in an oppo- 

 site direction. By slightly raising and approaching 

 both hands toward the body, the horse may be made to 

 stop. When either rein is acted on, to turn the horse, 

 the other should be a little slackened, or the hand which 

 holds it relaxed. 



As soon as the pupil has passed her no\aciate in the 

 art, she holds both reins in the left hand. Some ladies 

 separate them by the third and fourth fingers; others, 

 by one of these fingers only ; and many, by the fourth 



