250 JUMPING. 



a fence, to " take off " at the same moment as his leader 

 does, with the frequent result of a fall. " Running out " 

 or swerving in imitation of the leader may also be often 

 observed. I would therefore advise that the intended 

 chaser should be schooled by himself until he has 

 thoroughly acquired the habit of taking his own line and 

 measuring his own distance when going at speed over a 

 " made country " of orthodox size, before sending him in 

 company. During his first lessons with one or more horses, 

 he ought, according to the argument given, to take the 

 position of leader ; and not until he has been found to 

 be fully capable of acting independently, should the other 

 horse or horses be brought alongside of him, or taken 

 in front. I need hardly point out that it is far easier 

 to fix the attention of the horse on his work when he is 

 alone, than when he is under the distracting influences 

 of " company." 



THE HURDLE RACER 



should be taught to take his fences at racing speed 

 with only just sufficient collection at the three foot six 

 or three foot nine obstacles to make him clear them, even 

 if he " chances " them a little. No matter how clever 

 a horse may be at " timber- topping," it is impossible for 

 him to clear a hurdle in his stride ; for the period of sus- 

 pension of the gallop (see Points of the Horse) is far too brief 

 to allow this to be done. For his particular kind of work, 

 he has, just as much as the hunter or chaser, to be taught 

 to jump, but in a different style ; the chief requirements 

 of which are to leap quickly, to avoid jumping too high, 

 and to get away again with the least possible delay. 

 The directions which have been already given in this 

 chapter, will point out how the necessary instruction may 

 be imparted. 



