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.

Origin of bridle hand

First recorded in 1570–80

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

He laid his bridle-hand on the left side of his horse's mane and shifted his weight a trifle.
What Will People Say? | Rupert Hughes
The bridle-hand wears the mainfere (main-de-fer), while the right hand grasping the spear is gauntleted.
Armour in England | J. Starkie Gardner
The ball grazed his bridle hand, and blood followed the slight injury.
Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland, Vol. XX | Alexander Leighton
And then they keep their bridle-hand firm closed on the bridle-rein till their horses are back in the stable again.
Bunyan Characters | Alexander Whyte
A Horsemans Skill in the management of his bridle-hand consists in the discretion with which he makes the bit be felt.
Riding for Ladies | Mrs. Power O'Donoghue

Browse