164 LADIES ON HORSEBACK. 



an instant with your right hand, which musty 

 pro tern,, represent the buckle. Place your left 

 hand within the loop thus formed, the httle 

 finger resting firmly against the near-side, 

 about four inches above the right hand; grasp 

 the opposite side between the forefinger and 

 thumb, left hand (the two sides of the hand- 

 kerchief representing the reins); press the 

 off-side sHghtly inward with the pressure of 

 your thumb, slipping it entirely away from 

 the control of the right hand ; then bring the 

 near-side, which still is held loosely by the 

 right, under the thumb of the left, and hold it 

 firmly. You will thus see that you estabhsh 

 a sort of *' cross rein," and that you have, 

 and are able to maintain, a secure grip upon 

 either side. By an outward movement or 

 slight turning of the wrist, accompanied by 

 pressure of the httle finger, you will control 

 your horse upon the near-side of his mouth, 

 whilst by an inward movement and pressure 

 of the forefinger you will be able to command 

 him upon the other or off-side. It must be 

 borne in mind that these movements should 

 be from the wrist only, and not from the arm 



