120 Curb, Snaffle^ and Spur. 



obstacle in the longeing circles, or at the length of 

 the reins, while the trainer stands at one end of 

 the bar. Gradually the bar should be raised until 

 the horse must give a smart jump to pass it. 

 From time to time the animal should be encour- 

 aged and rewarded, and should it attempt to avoid 

 the bar it should be at once led back, and be made 

 to understand that there is but one way of proceed- 

 ing, and that directly over the obstacle. It must 

 not be punished, but a light tap of the whip may 

 be given to stimulate the impulses, and the jumps 

 should be cleanly and quietly made. Colored 

 rugs, bushes, and other objects which would 

 usually frighten a horse if it were made to face 

 them without some preparation, should be placed 

 against the bar until the horse will jump any- 

 thing the trainer's mind can devise (I used to 

 longe Alidor over a pony), the man being careful 

 not to require too much effort on the part of the 

 horse, artd not to fatigue or dishearten it. 



The horse should now be ridden over the 

 obstacles, first as in the lessons in hand, being- 

 walked over the low bar, and then being trot- 

 ted up to the bar raised to a height of twenty- 

 four to thirty inches, so that it must give a true 



