The Reins. 71 



motion, the rider's hand should return to the first 

 position, gradually ; or it may be slightly advanced, 

 and the thumb turned upwards immediately. 



To direct a horse to the left, let the thumb, 

 which in the first position is uppermost be turned 

 to the right, the little finger to the left, and the 

 back of the hand brought upwards. This move- 

 ment is performed in a moment, and it will cause 

 the left rein to hang slack, while the right is tight- 

 ened so as to press against the horse's neck. 



To direct the horse to the right, the hand should 

 quit the first position, the nails be turned upwards, 

 the little finger brought in towards the right, and 

 the thumb moved to the left : the left rein will thus 

 press the neck, while the right one is slackened. 



To stop the horse, or make him back, the nails 

 should be turned, from the first position, upwards, 

 the knuckles be reversed, and the wrist be rounded 

 as much as possible. 



