All that I have said above with regard to the management of the reins, applies equally to the driving of a pair or of a single horse. It does not apply to the driving of roadsters or trotting horses, as they are differently trained and driven in an entirely different method.
In learning to drive, unless one is being taught by a professional or other experienced whip, I would rather advise beginning with the “orthodox” method,
and thus learning thoroughly the correct fundamental principles of driving, which are the same in both methods. The “modern” is simply a variation on the “orthodox,” and the danger of beginning with the “modern” method is that with the off rein held in the right hand, as I have described on [page 199], the beginner may fall into the very incorrect, though common, method of holding a rein in each hand, and so not have the right hand constantly in readiness to assist the left in shortening the reins, in pulling up, in turning, and in the use of the whip.
The reins should never under any circumstances be held separately, one in each hand, for, obviously, if they are, the right hand cannot assist the left, the whip cannot be used, the horses can only be pulled up to the extent of the distance of the two hands in front of the body, and it is impossible to keep an even pressure on both reins; one hand will always pull more than the other. Holding a rein in each hand violates the first and fundamental principle of correct driving—that the two reins must at all times be held firmly in the left hand.
It is needless to add that the horse must never, under any circumstances, be struck with the reins.
When starting, the horses should first be gathered well in hand, and then, at the moment of starting,
given their heads by carrying the hands forward. Many drivers make the mistake of trying to start the horses by pulling them back instead of giving them their heads.
Starting
If you are driving in the afternoon, and there is any chance of your being out after dark, you should always be sure that the lamps are on the trap and that they have new candles; also, in country driving, be sure at all times that there are tools under the seat, including a wrench, a hoof pick, and matches.