TRAINING 79 



to jump timber ; as the horse jmnps over a bar, two 

 men, each holding an end of a smaller bar alongside 

 the one that is being jumped, raise it so as to rap the 

 horse's shins and make him raise his knees and tuck 

 up his feet ; the hind legs are treated in the same way, 

 and horses soon learn to jump clean.* 



When riding a strange horse that knows his work, 

 it is best at first to let him have his own way as much 

 as possible, when hounds are running, provided he 

 gallops on and does not interfere with the sport, and 

 so find out his ideas of how to cross the country. 

 Concessions will soon become mutual, and a perfect 

 combination will be the result. 



If the rider acts up to these simple rules ; gallops 

 for a good start, gives his horse a long rein so that he 

 can breathe freely, and relieve his loins and hind legs 

 of weight ; eases him over deep ground, while keeping 

 him collected by intermittent pressure of the legs ; 

 chooses the best going, and avoids growing crops, 

 especially roots, clover and beans ; turns with hounds 

 the moment he sees them turn ; does not press them ; 

 and stops his horse the moment he sees them check ; 

 he will see the best of most runs, and help both the 

 master and huntsman. 



If people would only look before they leap, and see 

 which way hounds are bending, they might often avoid 

 damaging crops, and keep their position with hounds 

 while having grass or other good ground for their horses 

 to gallop over, instead of heavy ploughland. When out 

 hunting every one should keep their eyes open, and look 

 about with the definite aim of seeing something useful 

 to themselves, the horse or the huntsman. 



* This method is now employed by trainers of show jumpers 

 in England. 



