THE HANDLING OF THE REINS 



than the thumb. The thumb is up and closed upon 

 the four reins, which fall forward of the hand and 

 to the left, when, as is usual, the reins are in the left 

 hand. The fingers touch the palm at the nails, 

 pressing with just enough force to prevent slipping. 

 The hand is exactly opposite the middle of the 

 body, and exactly in line with the horse's neck. 

 The elbow touches the side without stiffness or 

 pressure. 



When, for any reason, the hand is moved from 

 this position, one inch upward, downward, or side- 

 wise, is in general sufficient for the full effect of 

 the change. If for any reason, some other position 

 has to be taken for the sake of conduct or control, 

 what this new position shall be is decided by 

 practice and experience according to the particular 

 circumstance. If, for example, the horse rears, 

 the hand should be dropped as low as possible, the 

 rider leaning forward. If, on the other hand, the 

 horse kicks, then the hand is lifted as high as 

 possible, while the rider leans back and lifts the 

 animal's head. 



For the rider on a side-saddle, the position is 

 the same, except that the hand is two or three 

 inches above the right thigh. 



During the process of training a horse, the posi- 

 tion of the hand varies so greatly that no rules can 

 be given. The master will, therefore, vary his 

 position to meet special problems of mouth or neck 

 or of the two together, and all the various contrac- 



95 



