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CHAPTER VII. 

 HOW TO HOLD THE REINS. 



Principles — Holding Single Reins in Both Hands — Holding Single Reins in 

 One Hand — Holding Double Reins in Both Hands — Holding Double Reins 

 in One Hand — Shortening the Reins — Military Method of Holding the 

 Reins — -Respective Merits of One-Handed and Two-Handed Riding. 



As there Is but little difference between the respective 

 ways men and women should use their reins, I have 

 taken the most of this chapter from Riding and 

 Htmting. 



PRINCIPLES. 



The following are the usual principles to be observed 

 in holding the reins : — 



1. A secure grip of the reins should be maintained, 

 with as little stiffness as possible, because stiffness 

 Implies continued muscular contraction, and consequent 

 defective manipulation from fatigue. 



2. When both hands are used, we should hold the 

 reins so that we can freely use our hands, either 

 separately or together, in any required direction. 



3. When both hands are used, the manner of hold- 



