HOW TO TEACH THE COLT TO JUMP 61 



for it would be useless to give in to the colt. When he 

 has obeyed, then reward him. 



If you have a pack of harriers near it will be fine 

 exercise to get the colt out and let him just see them a 

 few times. The excitement which makes the blood course 

 through a well-bred horse's veins oft-times induces him to 

 take the fences in good style, better than in cold blood. 



The great thing now is not to overdo the beginner ; 

 give him plenty of walking exercise and a few jumps 

 daily, and you will find him gradually developing into a 

 hunter. When riding him, remember that you require 

 both hands to collect and assist him as he lands over a 

 fence ; keep both hands well down, your legs especially 

 calves so placed as to anticipate his every movement. 

 When he lands on the other side let the hands gradually 

 go down, one on each side of his withers ; this assists the 

 colt and helps him without any loss of time. After you 

 have given the colt enough work for the day, a pail of gruel 

 will not be amiss, and a nice, warm linseed-and-bran mash 

 will comfort him before he has his feed of corn. Never wash 

 him ; if he is muddy, brush him down and then bandage 

 his legs, rug him up and leave him alone for a few hours. 



Much can be said of the horseman who can break 

 and make a hunter, and if he sells him for three figures 

 he is not being overpaid for his work. 



