1 48 One or Two Handed jumping, 



jump unnecessarily. And it is true that some 

 horses get stubborn if always put at the same ob- 

 stacle without an object. But if a horse associates 

 praise and reward with jumping, he will be ready 

 for it at any proper time. You should, however, 

 avoid making a tired horse leap except when it 

 is absolutely necessary. Let him do this work 

 when he is fresh. You of course know that a 

 really stanch horse is usually fresher after five or 

 ten miles of average speed than at the start. The 

 best of stayers are often quite dull until they get 

 their legs stretched and their bodies emptied. 

 This particularly applies to aged horses. And 

 perhaps the very worst time to jump a horse is 

 when he is just out of the stall. 



XLIV. 



How about holding the reins in the jump.? 

 Well, now we come to debatable ground. To- 

 day's fashion tells you to use both hands. The 

 old-fashioned English habit, as well as the neces- 

 sary habit of the soldier and of all other riders 

 who have work to do, is to use the bridle hand 

 alone. I prefer the latter habit. Only a half- 

 trained horse needs both hands. A good jumper 

 ought to want to jump, not have to be steered 

 and shoved over an obstacle. I am willing to 

 allow that some brutes have to be so steered ; but 

 if a horse is well-taught, likes to leap, and can be 



