THE-:- HORSE 



that takes a jump from a moderate gallop is 

 the most common and the most generally 

 useful. 



A good jumper must be a good judge of 

 distance, since the take-off is of vital im- 

 portance. If a four-foot hurdle is to be 

 cleared, a jumper of the common type should 

 take-off at about three feet from the obstacle. 



The rider in taking a jump, riding a horse 

 of the kind we are discussing, should, as he 

 approaches the obstacle at a moderate pace, 

 accelerate his speed, gather the reins under 

 him, lean slightly forward, and a moment 

 before the take-off urge the horse with extra 

 pressure of the knees or heels, being careful 

 to avoid taking any stiff pressure on the ani- 

 mal's mouth. 



The horse rises in front and finally leaves 

 the ground with his hind legs, gains the 

 maximum height, is carried by the force of 

 the impetus over the obstacle, and descends 

 with his fore hand first. 



The rider's body should be thrown back 

 and a firm pressure on the reins taken in 

 order that the horse may be steadied when 

 alighting. Upon the consummation of the 

 jump, however, the reins should be loosened 

 at once, in order that the horse will not ac- 

 quire the idea of being pulled up immedi- 

 ately he has taken the hurdle. 



39 



