bridle hand

noun

(of a horseback rider) the hand, usually the left hand, that holds both reins or both pairs of reins, leaving the other hand free to manage a whip, crop, lariat, or the like.

First recorded in 1570–80

He laid his bridle-hand on the left side of his horse's mane and shifted his weight a trifle.

The bridle-hand wears the mainfere (main-de-fer), while the right hand grasping the spear is gauntleted.

The ball grazed his bridle hand, and blood followed the slight injury.

And then they keep their bridle-hand firm closed on the bridle-rein till their horses are back in the stable again.

A Horsemans Skill in the management of his bridle-hand consists in the discretion with which he makes the bit be felt.

April 25, 2024firkin

[fur-kin ]

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