THE OBJECT OF BREAKING 77 



For jum2:)ing on the lunging rein the horse is put 

 on a circle, or, to be more exact, on an ellipse, so as 

 to have some distance of a straight run at the jump, 

 which enables him to regulate his stride and avoids 

 the necessity of turning sharp after jumping. The 

 instructor, to keep him on this ellipse, must follow 

 the horse to some extent. He should always be in 

 a line with the horse's quarters when he arrives at 

 the jump. When the horse takes off, and during 

 a few strides from the jump, he lets the lunging-rein 

 out. He commences with a bar on the ground, and 

 this should not be raised till the horse passes over 

 it at the three paces without lengthening his stride 

 or slowing down. 



To calm the horses and teach them to raise the 

 points of their shoulder, they should be frequently 

 made to jump from the walk and trot, and one should 

 replace the bar on the ground whenever the horse 

 shows fear or nervousness. Often vary the nature 

 and the height of the jumps, and train the horse 

 to jump equally well to either hand. Never try to 

 reach the limit of the horse's power ; it is by work, 

 patience, and plenty of small jumps, that his powers 

 are developed, and he becomes a reliable fencer. 

 The instructor should consider the jumping lessons 

 as difficult work, and so give them himself and get 

 the assistance of the N.C.O.'s and capable troopers. 



Jumping at liberty. — Jumj^ing at liberty, in the 

 circular enclosure or in the riding school, can be 

 usefully employed to perfect the style of certain 

 horses, and to give freedom to those w^hich lack this 

 quality. But it is very delicate work, w^hich requires 

 the presence and vigilance of the ofUcer. 



The work in the circular enclosure makes the 



