62 



PRINCIPLES OF 



P. III. 



chap, in; 



OF THE HAND. 



Section I. — Preliminary. 



On the hand depends all excellence in horse- 

 manship The hand directs the action and 

 time, raises the horse's forehand, lightens the 

 mouth, and supports the position. In violent 

 contentions with the horse, the hand deprives 

 the horse of half of his power to throw the 

 rider, and it would otherwise be impossible to 

 keep on the back of some horses. 



Section II. — Of Holding the Reins. 



Before the operation and effects of the hand 

 can be attained, an expertness at holding the 

 reins must be acquired. 



There are various methods of holding the 

 reins, according to the style of riding, the 



