PRACTICAL HINTS. 



357 



FIG. 248. Holding the reins. 



and pointed to the ears of the horse. By bending the 



wrist to the right, so that the knuckles come uppermost, 



the horse is turned to the 



right. By bending the wrist 



to the left, so that the finger- 

 nails come uppermost, the 



horse will be turned to the 



left. There should never be 



tension on the two bits at the 



same time. The horse should 



be ridden upon the curb ; the 



snaffle should be used to fix 



the height of its head, and 



occasionally to take the place 



of the curb to freshen the 



mouth. 



Particular attention should 



be given to having the saddle adapted to the size of the 



person who is to use it. If it is too large for the rider, 



it will not only give him dis- 

 comfort, but will increase the 

 difficulty of acquiring a seat. 

 Invalids, or those not ac- 

 customed to horseback rid- 

 ing, should select a horse 

 that is gentle and fearless, 

 easily managed, sure-footed, 

 and elastic in action. A 

 riding-horse should not be 

 used in harness, as this soon 

 destroys the elasticity and 



FIG. 249. Ordinary side-saddle. ? , - 



smoothness of action neces- 

 sary for easy riding. If the horse is at all vicious and un- 

 manageable, he should be subjected to such treatment (as 



