220 FOX-HUNTING 



clutch the pommel for safety than to make the 

 horse's mouth bear the weight of his body. 

 When the beginner has learned to sit over a 

 fence without moving in the saddle or holding 

 on by the reins he may then use a double- 

 rein bridle, but it should only have a short 

 cheek to start with. I have said that it would 

 be better if every one used snaffles, but no 

 one can become a perfect horseman who rides 

 entirely with that bridle, and I advise only those 

 with bad hands to use it altogether. There are 

 many degrees in * hands ' between the very bad 

 and the very good. Though the latter are only 

 given to the few, I consider the former ought not 

 to exist at all if the rider is careful not to get 

 into bad habits at the start. The gifted few are 

 born with a sensitive touch in their fingers, and 

 when this is properly educated the slightest 

 pressure will convey the rider's meaning to the 

 horse. My father's advice to me as a boy was 

 to imagine the reins were silken threads which 

 any sharp pull would break. 



I have known many first-class men across- 

 country with the very worst of hands, but though 

 they may get safely over fences and occupy a 



