Schooling of Hunters, 29 



With undoubted confidence in his rider, a 

 horse can be induced to undertake most anything 

 which otherwise any amount of force or abuse 

 would not tempt him, under ordinary circum- 

 stances, to essay. 



If one wishes to commence at the rudimen- 

 tary principles of jumping, the horse should be 

 turned loose in a narrow chute with portable bars 

 across the center. Put up the bottom bar (not 

 to exceed 12 inches) and drive him in a walk 

 over the bar. After having driven him (loose) 

 back and forth several times, increase his pace 

 until he has jumped it several times at a gallop, 

 allowing him to catch his wind between times, 

 and do not excite him. Then halter and lead 

 him over a few times, following this by leading 

 him over by bridle. 



On the next day the bar should be raised to 

 24 inches and the same lesson repeated. When 

 jumping 48 inches clear he should be mounted and 

 the bar dropped to 12 inches again. Alternate his 

 pace between walk, trot, and canter. 



Raise the bar gradually to 24 inches and be 

 very careful that he jumps only at the paces you 

 desire, still alternating the walk, trot, and canter. 

 Make these preliminary lessons short and do not 

 allow him to become fretted. 



As soon as he performs well the slight tasks 

 as above assigned, he can be taken from the 

 chute lessons. The bars or obstacles should then 



