The advantage of double-handed riding is

The advantage of double-handed riding is

The advantage of double-handed riding is, that, in a few hours, any colt and any pupil in horsemanship may learn it.

To make the most of a horse, the reins must be held with a smooth, even bearing, not hauling at a horse’s mouth, as if it were made of Indian rubber, nor yet leaving the reins slack, but so feeling him that you can instantaneously direct his course in any direction, as if, to use old Chifney’s phrase, your rein was a worsted thread. Your legs are to be used to force your horse forward up to the bit, and also to guide him. That is, when you turn to the right pull the right rein sharpest and press with the left leg; when to the left, vice versâ. Unless a horse rides up to the bit you have no control over him.

Fonte: Tamming Horses