Page:Notes on equitation and horse training.djvu/82

 XXV.

Holding the snaffle reins.—When the horse is ridden in the snaffle bridle, the rider takes one rein in each hand—

the reins coming in on the underside of the little finger, and coming out over the second joint of the forefinger, on which the thumb firmly holds the rein; the other fingers closed on the reins, nails toward the body. * * * Hands about 6 inches apart, on a level with the elbows, backs straight up and down and outward.—United States Cavalry Drill Regulations, paragraph 195.

With the double snaffle, the rider takes two reins in each hand. The reins of the lower snaffle bit (corresponding to the curb bit) pass between the third and little finger; the reins of the upper snaffle bit pass under the little finger, and both reins are held upon the forefinger by the thumb as explained above.

Holding the double bridle reins.—With horses that pull hard, and more especially with horses that struggle or fight, it is a distinct advantage to hold the reins in English fashion, that is, with two reins in each hand as described above for the double snaffle.
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