The Hunter. 85 



side, by handling as previously described. "We 

 have to bring out its jumping powers, as it is this 

 point on which much of its value depends, so we 

 must teach it to jump naturally. For this pur- 

 pose we feed the mare in a yard, and at the gate- 

 way lay down a row of faggots, hazel, or soft 

 wood (never put thorns), so that the mare and 

 foal have to jump over them every time they go 

 to feed. This should be continued as long as the 

 foal is at its mother's side. After it is taken 

 away from the mare, the jump can be gradually 

 heightened and widened, until it has a square 

 yard to clear, then it must be doubled by placing 

 another row of faggots in front of the first, 

 making the two about eight feet apart, letting 

 the foal have to jump in and out like a cat. 

 Next use it to go down a made road with a ditch 

 cut across, and a bank made of the earth cut from 

 the ditch. If these tactics are followed up, you 

 will have a natural jumper before the saddle is 

 put on his back ; but upon no account let boys 

 have anything to do with it, as they will drive 

 the foal to see it jump, and there is more harm 

 done in fun than hard work. When the young 

 horse is put to fences, after it is properly broken 

 to the saddle, it should be led over with a man 

 on its back for the first time or two, until it 

 thoroughly understands what is wanted of it by its 

 rider. Never put a funky man on a young horse : 

 he is sure to spoil it and make it refuse its fences ; 

 it is oftener the fault of the man than the horse 

 that it does not jump. You may often hear in 

 the field gentlemen say, '^ I can't get this brute 



