128 STABLE MANUAL AND HORSE DOCTOR 



of the stirrup on the hands, and dropping to the ground by 

 their aid alone. 



Dismounting without stirrups requires the horse to be 

 brought to a standstill, then holding the reins in the left 

 hand, both are placed upon the pommel, and by their aid 

 alone the body is raised out of the saddle ; the right leg is 

 now thrown over the can tie, and in doing so the right hand 

 seizes it and with the left lowers the body to the ground. 



MANAGEMENT OF THE REINS, AND SEAT 

 ON HORSEBACK. 



Our horseman at ease in his seat, and looking forward 

 between the ears of his animal, adjusts the reins, which we 

 will suppose to be bridoon, or snaffle and curb. The reins 

 should hang untwisted from the bits. Mr. Waite gives the 

 following minute practical directions, which we transcribe, 

 for holding the reins with one or both hands : 



"Holding the Reins in one Hand. — The rider must take 

 up the bridoon reins with his right hand, and pass the 

 second and third fingers of the bridle or left hand between 

 them, draw up the reins with the right hand, until the 

 horse's mouth can be felt, and then pass them between the 

 forefinger and thumb. Next take up the curb reins (again 

 with the right hand), and pass the little finger of the 

 bridle hand between them, draw them up, as before directed, 

 with the right hand, until the rider perceives there is an 

 equal length and feeling with the bridoon reins ; the latter 

 having rather the strongest pressure on the animal's mouth. 

 This done, lay them also over between the forefinger and 

 thumb, and press down the thumb firmly upon them to 

 keep them from slipping; the hand to be held with the 

 wrist rounded outwards, opposite the centre of the body, 

 and about four inches from it. The right arm should hang 

 without restraint, and slightly bent, by the thigh ; the 

 whip being held about twelve inches from its head, with 

 the point turned upwards. 



Riding on one Rein. — Take up that particular rein with 

 the riglit hand, and pass the second and third fingers of the 

 bridle hand between them, then draw up the reins, but be 

 careful, in doing so, not to hold the horse too tight in hand ; 

 the other rein should hang down, having the little finger 

 passed between them, and the thumb also over them, so that 



