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

The old-fashioned English habit, as well as the necessary habit of the soldier and of all other riders who have work to do, is to use the bridle hand alone.

From Project Gutenberg

"And at Dreux," the old man continued with a proud, elated gesture, "when we rode down the German pikemen--they were grass before us, leaves on the wind, thistle-down--was it not I who covered your bridle hand, and swerved not in the m�l�e?"

From Project Gutenberg

Fitz Eustace' heart felt closely pent, The spur he to his charger lent, And raised his bridle hand.

From Project Gutenberg

She will find then both bit and bridoon reins equally divided, and an equal facility of causing them to act on the horse's mouth, according to the direction in which she turns the wrist of her left or bridle hand proper, or assists it with her right hand, according to the aids hereafter to be described.

From Project Gutenberg

Q. How many lines of action should the little finger of the bridle hand move on?—A.

From Project Gutenberg