260 THE AMERICAN HORSEWOMAN. 



rectly at the time the horse rises, her body will 

 naturally incline a little forward, and there will 

 be but little weight upon the horse's hind- 

 quarters, while, as he springs and extends him- 

 self in his leap, she can promptly adapt herself 

 to his movements and incline her body back- 

 ward. 



By leaning back as the horse rises on his 

 hind-legs, the weight of his rider will be thrown 

 upon his hind-quarters, and she will present an 

 awkward appearance ; while at the same time 

 she will be very apt to shorten the reins, and 

 thus confine the horse so much that his leap will 

 become clumsy and dangerous. 



On commencing the leap the rider, as hereto- 

 fore stated, must never attempt to raise the 

 horse by the reins ; a light, gentle touch or 

 pull given to them with the fingers, as when 

 starting upon a hand gallop, is all that will be 

 necessary. The horse must be left free to take 

 the leap in his own way, using his own instinct 

 or judgment in order that he may clear his fore 

 feet from the bar or object over which he has 

 to pass. During the rise, the rider must care- 

 fully guard against raising her hands, and also 

 against jerking or holding back the reins, as 

 either of these movements will discourage the 

 horse, and, should he be tender mouthed, he 



