It is narrated from Hazrat Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) that when we used to pray behind the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), we would gesture with our hands while turning for salam to the right and left. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "What is the matter with people that they gesture with their hands like the tails of difficult horses? Can you not remain calm and gesture by placing your hand on your thigh, and offer salam to your companion on the right and left?"