266 THE AMERICAN HORSEWOMAN. 



versally practiced ; so is that of teaching the 

 paces, when the quadruped's attention is proba- 

 bly engrossed by the burden which the spine 

 has to sustain. 



" Leaping is best taught by turning the horse 

 into a small paddock having a low hedge or hur- 

 dle-fence across its centre. A rider should, in 

 sight of the animal, take an old horse over sev- 

 eral times. The groom who brings the corn at 

 the meal hour then goes to that side where the 

 animal is not and calls, shaking up the proven- 

 der all the time his voice sounds. The boundary 

 will soon be cleared. When half the quantity 

 is eaten, the man should ^^roceed to the opposite 

 compartment and call again. If this is done 

 every time the young horse is fed, the fence 

 may be gradually heightened ; after six months 

 of such tuition, a light rider may be safely 

 placed upon the back. 



" Instruction, thus imparted, neither strains 

 the structures nor tries the temper. The habit 

 is acquired without those risks which necessarily 

 attend a novel performance, while a burden op- 

 presses the strength, and whip or spur distracts 

 the attention. The body is not disabled by the 

 imposition of a heavy load before its powers are 

 taxed to the uttermost. The quadruped has all 

 its capabilities unfettered, and, in such a state. 



