THE LEAP. 261 



will refuse to leap at all, his own instinct warn- 

 ing him that it is dangerous to attempt it under 

 such conditions. 



A rather hard mouthed, courageous animal, 

 that has had experience with awkward riders, 

 will, as he extends himself in the leap, force 

 his rider's hands by a sudden jerk of his head, 

 so as either to pull the reins out of her hands, 

 or, should she manage to retain her hold upon 

 them, to pull her forward upon the saddle. 



Many ladies, in their fear of becoming dis- 

 placed during the leap, will unconsciously press 

 their left leg and foot strongly against the side 

 of the horse, thus causing him to swerve or to 

 refuse to leap. Gentlemen teachers are apt to 

 be unaware of this pressure, as the leg is hid- 

 den underneath the riding skirt, and not unfre- 

 quently they have been puzzled to comprehend 

 why a well - trained, docile horse should leap 

 very well with some of their lady pupils, and 

 awkwardly, or not at all, with others. 



A common error, in attempting to leap, is to 

 sit too far back upon the saddle, a position that 

 not only prevents the rider from supporting 

 herself properly by the pommels, but is also 

 likely to occasion her a severe jar as the horse's 

 feet touch the ground. When in the correct 

 position, the body is placed as far forward upon 



