HORSES TO JUMP 63 



(2) Some horses refuse from having had 

 their mouths injured by heavy hands 

 when jumping". 



(3) Some are afraid of their bits, which may 

 be too severe. 



(4) Others refuse through fear of falling or 

 lack of courage. 



In each of these cases it is necessary to regain 

 the horse's confidence. Take the horse in hand 

 very quietly, and let him jump over quite small 

 obstacles till he appears to have regained his 

 confidence. This may take several days. If 

 necessary, let him have a lead, and always let 

 him have a free head when in the air. Avoid 

 wearing spurs, and let the horse undergo no 

 physical pain. 



(5) Horses will refuse if they are continually 

 asked to jump very big obstacles, which 

 is a considerable exertion. On the other 

 hand, they will not become stale if the 

 fences are of a reasonable size and 

 everything else is well with them. 



(6) There are horses that refuse from temper, 

 generally called " nappy horses," but the 

 temper is always due to one or other of 

 the above causes. One must try and 

 discover the cause, and deal with each 

 case in the most suitable manner. 



