The Reins. 69 



Ifje ^ciij3. 



. Pupils, during their first lessons, may arrange 

 the reins in the following manner : — The right 

 hand is removed from the crutch of the saddle ; 

 the reins are separated, and one is held in each 

 hand passing up between the third and fourth 

 fingers, the ends being brought over the forefingers, 

 and held in their places by closing the thumbs 

 upon them, and shutting the hands : these should 

 be on a level with each other, at a little distance 

 apart, three inches from the body, or thereabouts, 

 with the knuckles of the little fingers in a line with 

 the elbow. By slightly advancing the hands, and 

 even relaxing the hold of the reins, the horse, if 

 well trained, will go forward. The left hand is 

 raised to turn to the near or left side, and the right 

 hand to turn in an opposite direction. By slightly 

 raising and approaching both hands toward the 

 body, the horse may be made to stop. When 

 either "rein is acted on, to turn the horse, the other 

 should be a little slackened, or the hand which 

 holds it relaxed. 



