47 



LESSON IV. 



ON LEAPING, WITH THE DOUBLE-REIN BRIDLE, AND HAVING 

 THE USE OF THE STIRRUPS. 



Commence the lessons in leaping in the gentlest man- 

 ner, and over the smallest objects, elevations, and 

 widths. Shorten the stirrup-leathers one hole each. 

 Bring the horse straight up to the leap. If he swerves 

 to the right, meet him with a strong bearing upon the 

 left rem, aided by a strong pressure with the right leg ; 

 if he swerves to the left, meet him with a strong 

 bearing upon the right rein, aided by a strong pressure 

 with the left leg. When the horse has approached the 

 object, press him to coUect himself upon his haunches, 

 by feehng his mouth firmly with both reins, and 

 pressing both legs at the same time. As the horse 

 rises to the leap, the rider eases his bearing upon the 

 mouth, leans well forward to the neck, still presses the 

 legs firmly, and, if necessary, takes this opportunity to 

 use the spur. When the horse is immediately over the 

 leap, the body of the rider becomes upright ; but as the 



