208 FIRST LESSONS IN RIDING. 



in front of her. To do this when riding at a fast 

 gallop, she should gradually slacken his speed, using 

 the word " steady," and taking an even pull on the 

 reins. It may be necessary for her to ride at this pace 

 with a double bridle (curb and snaffle). Fig. loo 

 shows how the curb and snaffle reins should be held. I 

 have not advocated giving a beginner a bit and bridoon, 

 because in hunting she should always ride with the 

 snaffle, and reserve the curb for use in cases of emer- 

 gency, such as steadying her mount when galloping- 

 over plough or heavy ground, or in slackening his 

 speed. The pupil who is learning to gallop should try 

 the effect of the curb in stopping her horse while 

 another horse is galloping away from her. As it is a 

 severe bit, she would be wise to " feel " her horse's 

 mouth with it only just enough to induce him to 

 slacken his speed according to her indication. It 

 should be used with the object of reminding him that 

 it is in his mouth. If he does not obey the hint, the 

 lady should take a stronger pull, and be ready to release 

 her pressure w^hen she feels her horse restrained by its 

 influence, and then she should ride on the snaffle. My 

 husband, in Riding and Htmting, says : — '' With a 

 double bridle we may ride on the snaffle as much as we 

 like, and keep the curb for emergencies ; although, 

 from not knowing how to hold the reins properly, men 

 frequently get into the habit of always riding on both 

 reins, and then they blame the double bridle for being 

 too severe. ... A curb is indispensable with 

 many horses for crossing an English hunting country 



