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CHAPTER VI. 

 HOW TO HOLD THE REINS. 



General Remark — Principles to be observed in holding the Reins — Holding 

 Single Reins in both Hands — Holding Single Reins in one Hand — Holding 

 Double Reins in both Hands — Holding Double Reins in one Hand — Shorten- 

 ing the Reins when held in one Hand — Shortening the Reins when held in 

 both Hands — Changing the Reins from two Hands into one Hand — Changing 

 the Reins from one Hand into two Hands — Respective merits of one-handed 

 and two-handed Riding — Military Method of holding the Reins — Tying up 

 one Rein. 



GENERAL REMARK. 



The methods which I shall describe in this chapter for 

 holding the reins, are those I have found by experience to be 

 the best for their respective purposes, and are based chiefly on 

 the practice of jockeys and hunting men. Except in the 

 Army, there is no standard routine for manipulating the reins. 



PRINCIPLES TO BE OBSERVED IN HOLDING THE REINS. 



The following are the usual principles to be observed in 

 holding the reins : 



1. A secure grip of the reins should be maintained with as 

 little stiffness as possible ; because stiffness implies continued 

 muscular contraction and consequent defective manipulation 

 from fatigue. 



2. When both hands are used, we should hold the reins so 

 that we can freely move our hands, either separately or 

 together, in any required direction. 



3. When both hands are used, the manner of holding the 

 reins by one hand should be the same as that by the other, so 



