306 HOW TO DlilVE A HCBSE 



Gngei, falling over the knuckles, and being secured bj 

 the pressure of the thumb, as is shown in figurG42; this is 

 a lighter hold than the former, and is better for driving 

 perfectly trained horses which require only the least touch 

 to bring their heads into the proper (perpendicular) position 

 It is more fatiguing than that first described, with horset 

 which are at all hard on the bit. 



When it is desirable to hold the reins in both hands, the off 

 rein may be taken in the right hand, by passing the fore 

 finger under it,and allowing it to fall down through the hand, 

 and out between the ring and little fingers; this will admit 

 of the hand being opened to take the whip. (See fig. 43.) 

 The rein in the left hand may remain in the same position 

 as before. If it be necessary to strike a severe blow with 

 the whip, the rein should be passed into the left hand, and 

 quickly regained after the blow has been struck; this 

 manner of holding the reins will give the greatest possible 

 power over the team. The whip should be taken from its 

 socket only when there is occasion to use it, and it should 

 be returned as soon as it has become unnecessary. While 

 held quietly in the hand it should lie horizontally across 

 the near rein, and pointing over the whifile-tree on the 

 near side. 



Driving a single horse is not at all difficult, and it re- 

 quires only a good hand, a good temper, and a watchful 

 eye. The horse's mouth should be lightly felt, that he 

 may be supported if he trip ; and especially in going down 

 hill, the driver should sit with his feet well braced and his 

 hand ready to support the horse in a false step, which, if 

 at all, is most likely to occur at this tinre. 



Driving a pair of horses requires much more skill and 

 care. It is thus described by Stonehenge : 



"In Driving a Pair, the great art consists in putting 

 them together so as to draw equally, and to step together. 



