bridle hand

American  

noun

1. (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.

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Etymology

Origin of bridle hand

First recorded in 1570–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

bridle hand

She laid her gloved fingers lightly on his bridle hand.

From The Call of the Cumberlands by Buck, Charles Neville

The bridle hand started as if to draw in, but almost at the same instant the animal sprang again into a gait which showed the spur had touched her, and was quickly out of hearing.

From John March, Southerner by Cable, George W.

Do you know," said Mr. Carlisle, looking very contented, and coming up closer, "your bridle hand has improved?

From The Old Helmet, Volume II by Warner, Susan

At the time I was at his bridle hand.

From The Honour of Savelli A Romance by Levett-Yeats, S. (Sidney)

The pupil can then be taught to turn her horse to either hand, or about, at a walk, without any motion of the bridle hand perceptible to a looker-on, although perceptible enough to the horse.

From The Barb and the Bridle A Handbook of Equitation for Ladies, and Manual of Instruction in the Science of Riding, from the Preparatory Suppling Exercises by Moustache, Vielle