THE REASONED EQUITATION 



goes over the right snaffle rein, with one finger, or 

 better two fingers, between this and the right rein of 

 the bit. The bit rein is slightly the looser of the two. 



It is impossible to give the precise detail of this 

 movement. It has to vary somewhat with the way 

 the reins are carried in the left hand. For much 

 the same reason, it is not possible to dictate the 

 relative length of the two reins, since this is af- 

 fected by skill of the rider, the speed of the horse, 

 and its education, temper, and surroundings. With 

 certain horses, in certain conditions, at various 

 speeds and gaits, certain ways of holding the reins 

 are better than others. I have experimented widely, 

 and I am convinced that virtually all the methods 

 of the various masters are good in an " intelligent " 

 hand. It is not any fixed position of the reins which 

 gives control over the forehead of the mount, but 

 the effects of hand and fingers on the bits. An able 

 esquire will produce the same total effect with the 

 snaffle or with the bit, with left hand or right hand 

 or both. It is all a matter of equestrian tact. 



One cannot, then, dictate the precise method of 

 separating the reins until he knows how they are 

 held all together. But whatever the method, the 

 pupil should be frequently practiced in changing 

 from one hand to both and back again. These 

 manipulations are to be executed, first standing, 

 and later at all three gaits, without changing the 

 regularity of gaits and speed. Then is the beginner 

 prepared for emergencies. 



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