28o Modern Riding and Horse Education 



pulleys and ropes from a distance, as is now almost 

 invariably done on the Continent. The pulleys are 

 attached to strong upright posts at each end of the 

 fence, and the pole is sunk slightly below its top, 

 in such a manner as to be invisible from the taking- 

 off side. 



The disadvantage of the above method of training 

 is that the effect is seldom lasting, and that the pun- 

 ishment — such as it is — must often be administered. 

 A horse remembers a fall at a natural fence and dis- 

 likes it extremely, and he generally takes every care 

 that it shall not happen again if he can help it. But 

 if the obstacles are fancy ones, he seems instinctively 

 to know exactly what may be chanced and what may 

 not. This was w^ell illustrated at the International 

 Horse Show of 1909, where the walls, although col- 

 lapsible, had a solid appearance and did not fall at 

 a mere touch, being accordingly treated with greater 

 respect than any other obstacles in the ring. 



The piano jump, three rails in a line, and other 

 special obstacles must be made small at first, or when 

 necessary only half put up, and the horse sent over 

 them with nobody on his back until he understands 

 what is required of him. 



