266 THE AMERICAN HORSEWOMAN. 



versally practiced ; so is that of teaching the 

 paces, when the quadruped's attention is proba- 

 hly engrossed by the burden which the spine 

 has to sustain. 



" Leaping is best taught by turning the horse 

 into a small paddock having a low hedge or hur- 

 dle-fence across its centre. A rider should, in 

 sight of the animal, take an old horse over sev- 

 eral times. The groom who brings the corn at 

 the meal hour then goes to that side where the 

 animal is not and calls, shaking up the proven- 

 der all the time his voice sounds. The boundary 

 will soon be cleared. When half the quantity 

 is eaten, the man should proceed to the opposite 

 compartment and call again. If this is done 

 every time the young horse is fed, the fence 

 may be gradually heightened ; after six months 

 of such tuition, a light rider may be safely 

 placed upon the back. 



" Instruction, thus imparted, neither strains 

 the structures nor tries the temper. The habit 

 is acquired without those risks which necessarily 

 attend a novel performance, while a burden op- 

 presses the strength, and whip or spur distracts 

 the attention. The body is not disabled by the 

 imposition of a heavy load before its powers are 

 taxed to the uttermost. The quadruped has all 

 its capabilities unfettered, and, in such a state, 



