i6o 



HOW TO HOLD THE REINS. 



162, we may keep the ring (third) fingers between them, as 

 in Fig. 163. This plan does not give such a strong hold on 

 the reins as that of having the little fingers between the 

 reins ; but it is the one generally adopted by jockeys, because 

 it leaves the little finger free to keep hold of the whip. 



HOLDING DOUBLE REINS IN ONE HAND. 

 The fore finger of, say, the left hand separates the two off 

 reins ; the third finger or the little finger (Fig. 164) divides 



Fig. 164. Holding double reins crossed in one hand. 



the two near ones ; and the reins are crossed in the palm 

 of the hand as with single reins. It is convenient (as we have 

 seen with double reins) to have the reins on which we want 

 to have the stronger pull, on the outside. If the rider wishes 

 to use only one rein, he may hold it crossed in his hand, and 

 may hook up the other on the middle finger, and let it loose 

 (Fig. 165), or draw it up to a greater or less extent. 



SHORTENING THE REINS WHEN HELD IN ONE HAND. 

 If the reins are held for instance in the right hand, take 



