90 HORSEMANSHIP. 



The confidence or the courage of the rider depends, not 

 so much, in the bulk of cases, on his own inherent nerve as 

 on the character, strength, action, and cleverness of the 

 horse he bestrides. A bold, big, and safe fencer generally 

 transmits some of his qualities to the man on his back. 

 That hereditary possession of " a spare leg," or the wonder- 

 ful power some horses possess of being able to save them- 

 selves from a fall under almost all circumstances, transmits 

 a feeling of safety, and wondrously reduces the size of the 

 fences. Rest assured there is great virtue in the "fifth leg." 



Let the tyro begin with a low sheep-hurdle or leaping-bar, 

 not higher than the horse's knees, closely and thickly inter- 

 laced with or incased in gorse, and placed in a narrow lane, 

 a gap in a fence, or in a gateway. In riding at the jump he 

 should take both hands to the reins with a long but steady 

 hold, keeping his head straight at the fence. Commencing 

 at a walk he should break into a trot, and, in the last few 

 strides — more than likely the horse will, of himself, quicken 

 his pace as he nears the jump in order to gain impetus — into 

 a canter, keeping the whole attention fixed on the spot 

 selected to jump. Where he should jump is your affair, Jioiv 

 he should clear it is his business. 



When quite certain that he has made up his mind to 

 " have it," without relaxing the hold of the bridle, quietly by 

 leaning slightly forward, shift your weight on to your thighs, 

 knees, calves, and stirrups, by which precaution the con- 

 cussion or "hoist" of that sudden upward jerk or effort 

 necessary to the horse to clear it is avoided, and all jar to 

 carrier and carried is prevented. As the horse alters his 

 position in the air, or '^ reverses," his head and fore hand 

 being lower than the quarters, the rider's body, if the reins 

 be not held too short, will, by leaning back, naturally and 

 automatically resume its seat in the saddle. When the 



