HORSES TO JUMP 31 



cleverly with either leg leading- at a canter. 

 During this time he will also learn to under- 

 stand the words "walk," "trot" and "canter." 

 The turns at both ends teach the horse to 

 collect himself as he comes round into the 

 straight and will soon prevent him from 

 attempting to rush. If he tries to whip round, 

 and not go on the required circle, he must be 

 instantly checked. About the third day a jump 

 can be put in. By degrees more numerous and 

 larger obstacles can be placed at various 

 distances from the turns so that he obtains 

 practice in judging his distance when suddenly 

 coming on a jump. 



It is necessary to commence with a small but 

 solid obstacle so that the horse will not attempt 

 more than once to chance a fence. 

 For a horse that takes off too close to a fence a 

 guard rail just off the ground will be found 

 useful to correct this fault. 



Young horses will sometimes be found, when 

 jumping, to get their noses right down between 

 their knees, at the same time often failing to 

 get their hocks properly under them and to 

 raise their forehand properly. On the other 

 hand, if they jump big and well with their 

 weight very far forward they are apt to over- 

 jump themselves. Although, of course, con- 



