TYING UP A REIN. 



167 



finest riders in the world), when they use the right hand on 

 the right rein, continue to hold both reins with the left hand, 

 and then slip the right rein a little through the left hand 

 in order to place both hands even. This is a most vicious 

 habit. When they quit the right rein to use the whip, or 

 to throw the arm back at a fence (another most vicious habit), 

 by their system of holding and handling the reins they have 

 not the power to place the lengthened rein short in the left 

 hand. Alas, poor horse ! he is then pulled to the left by the 



Fig. 169. Tying up a rein. 



left rein, driven to the left by the whip on the right, and then 

 abused for answering the natural indication which he has been 

 trained Jiabitually to obey." 



TYING UP A REIN. 



With double reins, if the rider wishes to use only one, 

 he may put a slip-knot (Fig. 169) on the other, at the desired 

 length, so that he may have it ready to take up at any 

 moment. It should be put well forward on the neck, so that 

 the horse in extending his head, may not be liable to bear 

 suddenly on the bit to which the reins with the slip-knot 

 are attached. " The reins should never be tied in hunting or 



