Riding for Ladies: With Hints on the Stable

by Mrs. Power O'Donoghue

REINS IN ONE HAND—FIRST POSITION.

Then turn the hand with the knuckles upward, as here represented,

REINS IN ONE HAND—SECOND POSITION.

and a correct position will be ensured.

You should avoid working the fingers about when riding, as doing so is very apt to shift the bit in the horse’s mouth. Your hand may go back and forth with a “give-and-take” movement, but not from side to side on any account.

REINS FIRMLY IN BOTH HANDS.

The best method of riding with double reins can, I think, be most effectually shown by illustration. This represents the reins held firmly, though not tightly, in both hands; while that on the next page shows an easy style of going—one that is nice to adopt when proceeding at a walking pace. When trotting, the reins may be dropped by the right hand, which should then be lowered to the level of the saddle—the whip pointing downwards.

If you wish to ride with one rein only, though with a double bridle, hold the snaffle rein in your left hand in the manner already described, and loop the curb over your little finger, in order that it may be readily taken up when required.