66 RIDIJSTG AND TRAIHIKG SADDLE-HORSES. 



the fore- quarters, it must ease the tension of the reins 

 until the fore-feet of the horse touch the ground, when 

 he will feel the mouth to give the horse such support as 

 he may need to recover the equilibrium. 



In taking the flying leap, the seat will be nearly the 

 same as that for the gallop ; the rider will not lean for- 

 ward as in the standing leap, for the action of the horse 

 will not require it, and if he swerves or refuses, the rider 

 should be sitting well back to avoid a fall. As the horse 

 makes the exertion for the jump, the rider will bring his 

 breech well under, lean back as far as the effort the horse 

 is about to make shall demand, and resume the position 

 for the gallop when the horse alights, at the same mo- 

 ment collecting him for the same speed with which he 

 approached the leap, but taking care not to check him 

 or harass his movements. 



When the horse takes the flying leap, he must have 

 the fullest liberty of his head ; the bit being used only to 

 direct him to the obstacle, and its tension released before 

 the horse rises in the leap. The legs will be carried in 

 close to the sides of the horse to support him, but be 

 neither spurred nor whipped at the jump, as it distracts 

 his attention at a critical moment. If he requires it, the 

 horse should be roused before he comes upon the ground 

 where he is to decide upon his place for taking ofl, and 

 from that time he should be left to himself until he re- 

 ceives the support of the bridle as his fore-feet touch 

 the ground. The trick of throwing up one arm, or of 

 giving a cry of encouragement to the horse as he rises, 

 may work mischief by causing him to swerve, but it is 

 then too late to ofler him aid in gathering for the leap. 



