HINTS ON HORSEMANSHIP 



109 



not in the slightest to interfere with his horse's' mouth when he 

 jumps, or for some little distance after he is over, and if he 

 does not rise at all, but merely trots over it, he should not be 

 disappointed, but close his legs. a little stronger next time, 

 which will in all probability have the effect of getting the horse 

 to bend his knees, raise his forehand and spring over it. Nearly 

 all young horses at first jump in a clumsy awkward sort of 



Avoid getting it caught. 



fashion, and are more difficult to sit on than a trained horse 

 would be. The rider must therefore be prepared to keep his 

 legs close and sit tight, allowing his body play from the loins, 

 so as to avoid hanging on to the horse's mouth to preserve 

 his seat. A few horse's lengths after he is over, quietly collect 

 him and make much of him. This should be continued for a 

 few days, or until the horse carry his rider kindly, and with 

 ease to himself, over this low jump. And then the bar should 



