76 ANGLO-FRENCH HORSEMANSHIP 



than hit. The main points are (1) a very Hght hold 

 on the reins, which only come into operation through 

 the impulsion aroused by the whip, (2) very Hght taps 

 of the whip, (3) forward impulsion in all the movements 

 even in the rein back. 



The Hunter 



If a horse and rider have been carefully trained up 

 to this point, it will require very little practice to make 

 them both good across country. It is merely a matter 

 of going to work quietly and avoiding everything that 

 would tend to make either of them nervous. They 

 should not be forced over fences. Easy places should 

 be chosen, and the horse should at first be allowed to 

 get over them in the way he finds most satisfactory to 

 his nerves. Some like to go fast, others slow, at their 

 fences : as confidence increases it is easy to gradually 

 regulate or increase the pace, but, as a rule, it is best to 

 ride slowly at all kinds of jumps, provided the rider 

 feels that he has plenty of energy under him. It is the 

 vigour with which the legs are applied at the last 

 moment that makes the horse jump clean and big. 



As far as possible a young horse should be allowed 

 to choose his own line and place in the fence, he will 

 then seldom refuse. If he does refuse, and the place 

 is really all right, wait quietly,* pressing steadily in 

 the knees and thighs, and, in some cases, the legs and 

 spurs also ; talk to him in a quiet, low tone of voice, 

 and then, when you feel him willing, let him go, and 

 keep on stimulating the hind quarters with the knees 



* It is absurd to try and force one's will on a horse, one can 

 only wish strongly to do something with his assistance, and by 

 tact, get him to feel like doing it. 



