An Improved Method 



157 



ner is almost a new practice as far as England is 

 concerned. I will therefore enter somewhat fully 

 into the best method of carrying it out. 



It is quite possible to allow your pupils to begin 

 jumping low obstacles at their eighth or ninth 

 lesson, provided they have been 

 through the preliminary gripping ex- 

 ercises and are riding with the strap 

 joining the stirrups (Fig. 4). 



A small log of wood or a hurdle 

 laid flat will do to commence with, 

 after which three or four movable 

 hurdles similar to those shown in Fig. 

 5 will be required: they have the ad- 

 vantage of upsetting if the horse 

 strikes them. They should be about 

 two feet high when topped with gorse 

 or brushwood; the double rails allow 

 of the furze being replaced when 

 worn, and as these fences are not 

 fixtures they can be taken out of the 

 training ground when not in use. They may be 

 raised w^hen necessary by means of wooden blocks ; 

 but for obvious reasons it is essential to have them 



FIG. 4. 



THE STRAP. 



