Of the Hand. 81 



0f ii]e ihtyd. 



On the hand depends all excellence in horse- 

 manship. The hand directs the action and time, 

 raises the horse's forehand, lightens the mouth, 

 and supports the position. In violent contentions 

 with the horse, the hand deprives the horse of half 

 of his power to throw the rider; and it would 

 otherwise be impossible to keep on the back of 

 some horses. 



Before the operation and effects of the hand 

 can be attained, an expertness at holding the reins 

 must be acquired. 



There are various methods of holding the reins, 

 according to the style of riding, the design of the 

 rider, and the propensities or defences of the 

 horse. 



Here we consider bridles which have one rein 

 attached to each end of the bit, such as snaffles. 



In these as well as in other cases, the reins 

 ought generally to be separated, passing into the 

 hand between the third and fourth fingers and out 



