The Curb, Etc. 67 



the saddle. The little finger is to be in a line with 

 the point of the elbow. The wrist is to be rounded. 

 The finger nails are to front the centre of the 

 body. The thumb is to point across the body. 



From this position of the bridle hand, the little 

 finger should at least have three lines of action 

 upward to guide the horse; — towards the right 

 shoulder, — towards the left, — towards the breast. 

 The little finger should move on these lines only 

 as the aids require. Thus the horse will be guided, 

 and lifted up at each turn, by the inward or lead- 

 ing rein ; the outward acting in unity with it. 



Pupils should be cautioned not to throw their 

 right shoulders back, which they are apt to do, 

 when they first take the reins in one hand. The 

 right arm should hang in an easy and natural posi- 

 tion by the side. 



MANAGEMENT OF THE CURB. 



The curb requires a light hand in the manage- 

 ment. It is necessary to feel and ease the reins 

 in the degree suitable to the individual horse. 

 Some horses require rather a firmer feel than 

 others, and most have some peculiarity, which ex- 

 perienced riders discover and turn to account. 



The pupil cannot be too deeply impressed with 



