STARTING. 49 



keep his own seat well forward, and, bending 

 his loins, throw his shoulders backward as the 

 horse descends, to balance himself in that 

 descent. As soon as the horse is over, lift up 

 his head gently with the bridle and close the 

 legs against him lightly, to assist him in re- 

 covering himself fully upon his legs again. 



Thus, leaping a height may be performed 

 with ease and pleasure to both man and horse, 

 only requiring practice, by beginning low, and 

 gradually increasing the height ; it is the ne- 

 cessary preliminary lesson, and naturally leads 

 to the flying leap, or 



Leaping over a height from the Gallop. 

 This differs from the " standing leap," prin- 

 cipally in agility ; because, although performed 

 in the same manner, it is immediate in rise and 

 spring, so that the rider must be able to adjust 

 his own notions, and instantly make the neces- 

 sary arrangements of himself and horse, as 

 he approaches the obstacle, or " leap," springs 

 over, and recovers his horse's footing. 



If a Horse starts or " shies " to one side of 

 the road, or turns round, the rider must 



