There are various ways of holding the reins, depending upon fancy, and
circumstances; such as the fineness of a horse's mouth, and the delicacy
of the rider's hand.
_Holding a single rein._--The rein is taken in the centre where the
joining is, between the fore-finger and thumb of the right hand, and
drawn towards the body, the left hand is placed over the reins, and the
little finger is inserted between them; the hand is then closed, and the
reins are drawn through the fingers, by the right hand, until a proper
feeling is obtained upon the horse's mouth; the loop end of the rein is
allowed to drop over the fore-finger, and the thumb is placed upon the
rein, to prevent its slipping.
_Holding a double rein._--The curb rein being held as directed, the loop
of the snaffle rein is placed over the curb rein in the palm of the left
hand, or, to have a double bearing upon the horse's mouth, the rein may
be drawn, till the required tension is obtained, the left rein lying
over the curb rein in the palm of the hand, the right snaffle rein,
passing between the second and third fingers. In dividing the reins with
the little finger, the right rein, which passes over that finger, is
always a little longer than the other, and requires to be shortened, if
this be not attended to, the horse will be ridden chiefly upon the left
rein, his head will be bent to the left, and he will not be looking the
way he is going.
_Holding the Curl and snaffle reins separated._--The curb being held as
directed in the first described method, the snaffle rein is taken in the
same manner, in the right hand, below the left; the principal bearing is
brought upon this rein, which keeps the horse's head steady, while with
the left hand the horse's mouth is kept alive, by a play on the bit,
giving and taking, but, at the same time retaining a light bearing upon
the horse's mouth. This is an excellent method for holding the reins
with a fiery, high actioned horse, not up to hand.
_Adjusting the reins._--The rider should take hold of the loop end of
the rein, and draw it through her hand until the proper bearing and
tension has been obtained.