JUMPING WITHOUT REINS. 237 



(Fig. 105). No wing or upright pole which might 

 catch in the reins should be placed at the inner 

 end of the log. If a log such as I have described be 

 not procurable, a hurdle or gate might be employed. 

 It is well to begin this lesson by placing the log on the 

 ground, and first walking the horse, who carries his 

 rider, over the log, which might then be raised 5 or 6 

 inches. The bar need not be put up higher than 3 

 feet. The whole of this jumping practice should at 

 first be given while circling to the right. As the capa- 

 bilities of all are not alike, the teacher, who ought also 

 to be the driver, should exercise his judgment in 

 apportioning the work done. As a rough approxima- 

 tion, I should say that an apt pupil who had never 

 been previously on a horse, ought to do in fairly good 

 style, after a dozen lessons, all I have described. 

 These lessons, which had best be given daily, ought 

 not to exceed half an hour in duration. Great care 

 should be taken that the rider gets neither fatigued 

 nor "rubbed." As a rule, a man will be required to 

 drive the horse on foot with the long reins ; for few 

 women would be able to do this work, and teach at the 

 same time. If the instructor be a lady, she might get 

 an experienced man to drive for her, while she gives 

 the cautions and orders. 



While receiving her first lesson in riding without 

 reins, the pupil should try to keep her seat by the 

 combined help of balance and grip, and should not 

 attempt to hold on to the saddle with her hands, 

 which, subsequently, will be required solely for the 



