56 The Art of Biding. 



The reins may be held in either hand, or by 

 both, and frequently changed from one hand to 

 the other, so as to give facility in handling. I 

 shall have more to say about the bridle reins later 

 on. The hand, or hands, holding the reins should 

 not be too far in front of the body ; but at the 

 same time they should not be held rigidly at one 

 distance. The hand should play easily backward 

 and forward, wuth the movements of the horse's 

 head, but must not be moved up and down. 

 Accustom the bridle hand to be carried within a 

 few inches — say three or four — of the body. If 

 it be held far in front the balance of the body is 

 interfered with ; and, in fact, it is impossible to 

 sit well and manage the horse with the bridle 

 hands stretched out far in front. This is a point 

 of some importance, and must be carefully 

 attended to in the beginning, otherwise progress 

 will be delayed, and results unsatisfactory. 



