HORSES TO JUMP 17 



to condition and train them, and, if they have 

 ah-eady been hunted, a better opportunity to 

 correct their previous faults before the coming 

 hunting season. 



Age and condition are the first considerations 

 that must be taken into account. It is neces- 

 sary to bring the young horse on to hard food 

 gradually, and his exercise must be in proportion 

 to his condition. Plenty of slow exercise is 

 essential. {Sec " Feeding," p. 94.) 

 I cannot emphasize too strongly the importance 

 of moderation with regard to conditioning and 

 the amount of work to be given to a young 

 horse. His training must be progressive and 

 by no means hurried. 



Good manners are essential for all horses, if 

 they are to be a pleasure to the rider. Patience 

 and common-sense are the guiding factors to 

 attain these requirements. 



BALANCE 



" Balance." There is often such a miscon- 

 ception of this essential requirement in horse 

 training that a few words here are necessary. 

 A certain degree of balance is essential for all 

 riding horses. Apart from jumping, balance 

 makes a horse less likely to pull, more agreeable 



