THE LEAP. 255 



The principal movement for which the rider 

 should be prepared in leaping is that of being 

 thrown forward on the saddle, both when the 

 horse makes the spring and when his fore-feet 

 touch the ground. In order to avoid this acci- 

 dent, the rider, keeping a firm seat and grasp 

 upon the pommels, must incline her shoulders 

 somewhat backward, both when the horse 

 springs from the ground and also during the 

 descent, the amount of inclination varying with 

 the height of the leap. The erect position 

 should be resumed when the hind-legs have 

 again touched the ground. In a very high 

 leap, the rider's body should be bent so far back 

 during the descent as to look almost as if in 

 contact with the back of the horse. 



When the points named above have been at- 

 tended to, the horse must be collected, with his 

 hind-legs well under him, and then be briskly 

 walked up to the bar or obstacle to be leaped 

 and placed directly before it, but not so close 

 that he cannot clear it without striking his 

 knees against it as he rises, sufficient room 

 must always be allowed him for his spring. 

 Now, after receiving a light touch or pull upon 

 the reins to tell him that his rider is ready, he 

 will raise himself upon his hind-legs for the 

 leap. As he rises, the rider's body, if properly 



