66 The Curb, Etc. 



In like manner you shorten the bridoon or 

 snaffle, and lengthen the curb ; first slipping the 

 whole too long ; and then applying the right hand 

 to the rein you mean to shorten. 



When any single rein wants shortening, apply 

 the right hand to that part which hangs over the 

 forefinger, and draw it tighter. 



A little observation and practice will soon make 

 you so perfectly acquainted with their situation, 

 that you will find them as readily in the dark as in 

 the light. 



When the reins are separate, i. e. both hands 

 occupied by reins, and they want adjusting, you 

 bring the hands together to assist each other ; re- 

 membering that the hand that supports the atti- 

 tude or position the horse works in, which is always 

 what is termed the inner hand, is not to depart 

 from its situation so as to occasion any disorder, 

 but rather the outward hand to be brought to the 

 inner, for the purpose of adjusting them. 



POSITION OF THE HAND. 



The left elbow is to touch the hip lightly. The 

 arm is to be steady against the side, without force 

 or stiffness. The hand is to be about three inches 

 from the body, and as much above the pommel of 



