102 Manual of Equitation and Horse Training 



It is a fact of experience that usually a horse limits his 

 resistances to one or two defenses which he always pre- 

 sents. 



When a horse refuses to jump the first thing for the 

 rider who is called on to overcome the resistance, and also 

 for the instructor, who, if need be, must indicate the 

 remedy, is to take into consideration the character of the 

 defense. 



If the horse has shown sufficient strength on the longe, 

 and if his jumping lessons thereon have been well con- 

 ducted, the only explanation of his refusal to jump, mount- 

 ed, lies in his rebellion against the aids, or in a lack of tact 

 on the rider's part. 



In the first case it is wise not to insist, and to perfect 

 his training before recommencing to jump. 



If it is through the man's awkwardness to obtain im- 

 mediate obedience, it is usually sufficient to indicate to him 

 the fault committed. 



The different defenses in jumping generally enter one 

 of the following groups: 



The horse stops short. 



The horse runs out at a distance from the obstacle. 



The horse runs out close to the obstacle. 



(a) If the horse stops short it is through lack of im- 

 pulsion or fear of the rider's hand. 



When there is lack of impulsion one must leave the 

 obstacle, regive the lesson of the legs, or that of the spur 

 if necessary; then when the horse is felt to be anxious to 

 go forward, bring him back calmly and very straight, push- 

 ing him only in the last strides; dismount as soon as he 

 has obeyed and pet him. 



If the horse refuses through fear of the hand, after 

 having modified the bitting, if necessary, one must lower 

 the bar, or out of doors choose very small obstacles; make 

 the rider pass over them at the walk or slow trot, reins 

 long, leaving absolute liberty to the neck and aiding him- 

 self, if necessary, by holding the pommel; jumping in 

 this manner until the horse regains confidence and in jump- 

 ing stretches his head and neck. 



(5) The horse which runs out at a distance from the 

 obstacle throws himself brutally on the rider's hand; he 

 places his head and neck in a position which enables him 



