THE TIMBER LEAP. 59 



great secret in leaping is to teach the horse to measure 

 the distance that is required to be covered, and no 

 more. The horse that rushes at the fence, and springs 

 twice the heiglit and double the width, will soon 

 exhaust his strength. 



Ride wide of that part of the fence where horse or 

 horseman has follen to the ground ; and avoid charging 

 a fence when stray or lagging hounds are in danger of 

 being lamed. If possible, do not leap into lanes or 

 paved roads, and, when landed in them, do not ride at 

 speed. Do not ride hard down hill, and always direct 

 the horse straight downwards, in preference to a 

 slanting direction. Avoid strong timber fences as 

 much as possible, and five-barred gates in particular. 

 The land on each side of the gate is frequently of the 

 most artificial and objectionable character, consisting 

 of paving stones, brick-bats, broken bottles, &c. &c. 



The timber leap in the ox-fence requires a cool head, 

 a steady hand, and a firm seat. Bring the horse 

 straight at the rail, either in the trot or the canter. 

 As soon as he lands between the rails, raise and press 

 him to clear the second rail. Possibly the fence may 

 lie at the foot of a declivity, and the horse may 

 approach it at the top of his speed with the apparent 



