256 THE HORSE IN AMEBICA 



briskly, it is absolutely necessary to keep him al- 

 ways well in hand — not a pulling on the bit, but 

 a feeling of the bit so that the horse will know 

 every instant of the time that he is being driven 

 by one who is master. 



A driver should keep in communion with his 

 horse. A horse has a keen sense of hearing and a 

 good memory for a voice. The master should 

 have his horse well acquainted with his voice. 

 But he should not do too much talking or chir- 

 ruping when other horses are about. That is a 

 discourtesy to other drivers whose horses may be 

 fretted and made restless when it is meant that 

 they should stand still. The disregard of this is 

 not only annoying but has been the cause of many 

 accidents at crowded railway stations, where 

 many traps are waiting for the home-comers. 



As to the method of holding the reins Mr. Price 

 Collier, a most accomplished horseman and 

 charming writer on driving says: "The reins 

 should be held with the near rein between the 

 thumb and first finger, the off-rein between the 

 third and fourth fingers. Hold your hand so that 

 your knuckles, turned towards your horse, and 



