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leaps after the hounds, but few, uninstructed, can be safely trusted, to 

 cany a man over a standing leap of any considerable height. This of 

 course, ought to be an object of careful instruction, for security sake, 

 and on account of the great additional worth at market, of a staunch 

 and high standing leaper. 



The Irish are the highest and steadiest leapers in the world, and I 

 think it was Captain Raymond of Devonshire, who informed me that, 

 in Ireland, they begin to teach this accomplishment to their colts, whilst 

 they suck, occasionally interposing a bar bound with furze, between 

 the foal and its dam, the former readily attempting a small height, in 

 order to get at the teat, and improving in his leaps, as the bar becomes 

 gradually heightened. Mere, we practise our four or five year olds, 

 at the bar, \vell covered with furze, beginning with about a breast 

 height. A person should always stand behind with a Avhip, whilst the 

 Horse is led over the bar, and touch him gently whilst his hinder 

 quarters are in action, to encourage him to clear them. Patience, 

 coolness, short lessons which do not fatigue and irritate, and moderate 

 heights, are the true method of forming capital standing leapers. The 

 school is not the place to attempt very great heights. 



It has already been shewn, that our hunters are of all degrees of 

 blood, from the thorough-bred runner, down almost to the cart-horse. 

 It depends on the nature of the country for which they are chosen, 

 and still more on accident. A few Avords on the choice. If a man 

 desire to make a figure in a capital hunt, where bred cattle are in use, 

 he must provide a thorough-bred hunter, whatever weight he may ride, 

 for bred Horses will always M'in at carrying high weights withspeed,and 

 unless he equal them in blood, he will only, after the first burst, have 

 the pleasure of viewing his associates at a respectful d.'stance. But 

 much skill is required in the choice of a full-bred hunter. First he 

 must be equal to the weight, neither leggy, nor long-waisted, nor slight 

 boned, nor have crooked pastern joints, nor small and tender feet. If he 

 be from training, he should be well set upon his haunches, previously to 

 being used as a hunter. In general, a hunter should have a good loin and 

 spreading haunches, strong and well knit joints, should go clear of his 



z 2 legs. 



