42 GRACEFUL RIDING. 



PLYING LEAP. 



The horse must not be hurried, but taken up at a 

 brisk pace, with a light and steady hand, keeping 

 his head perfectly steady and straight to the bar or 

 fence. This position is the same as in the standing 

 leap ; and the aids required are the same as for 

 making a horse canter. 



If held too tight in the act of leaping, the horse 

 is likely to overstrain himself, and fall. If hurried 

 at a leap, it may cause him to miss his distance, and 

 spring too soon, or too late ; therefore his pace must 

 be regulated, so that he may take his spring distant 

 enough, and proportionate to its height, so that he 

 may clear it. 



When n earing the leap the rider must sit per- 

 fectly square, erect, pliant, and easy in the act of 

 leaping ; on arriving at the opposite side of the leap, 

 throw the body well back, and again have the horse 

 well in hand. 



SWIMMING A HORSE. 



The rider must take up and cross his stirrups, 

 which will prevent the horse from entangling him- 

 self or his rider ; should he commence plunging and 

 struggling in the water, then quite loosen the curb- 



