Horsemanship for Women/Part 1/Lesson 6
LESSON VI.
TO BEND THE NECK TO RIGHT AND LEFT, WITH THE REINS THROWN OVER THE NECK.
GETTING THE HORSE "LIGHT IN HAND"
Take the left snaffle-rein in the left hand at about a foot from the bit, and with the right hand draw the right snaffle-rein over the horse's neck just in front of the shoulder, until both sides pull equally on the bit and the horse is "light in hand." Then, by drawing upon the right rein gradually, bend his head around to the right, gently feeling the left rein so as to keep the bit straight in the mouth and prevent him moving
PULLING ON THE RIGHT REIN.
faster than you wish; for in this, as in all other cases, while he is to do exactly what you direct, he is to do nothing more.
To bend the neck to the left, you will, of course, reverse the operation above described, standing on the other side of the horse, taking the right snaffle-rein in the right hand at a foot from the bit, and drawing the left rein over the shoulder with the left hand. Keep the horse "light in hand" all the time, and his head perfectly perpendicular, as any twisting of the nose to one side has a ludicrous appearance. Now repeat with the curb.