LEAPING AND DISMOUNTING. 95 



there is nothing more distasteful to the horse in general, 

 than the attempt to leap him over an obstacle, without 

 the excitement of company and example. 



The horse must be brought straight to the leap, and 

 as he rises to take it, the lady must lean well forward, 

 and bear but very gently upon the mouth. As he 

 makes the spring, strike the whip, if necessary, upon 

 the right flank, and as he descends, the body of the 

 rider should incline backwards, the left leg pressing 

 firmly against the hunting pommel, and the bridle 

 having a strong bearing upon the mouth. Be pre- 

 pared to use the whip again if requisite, to collect the 

 horse, or to urge him forward at speed. If necessary, 

 the stirrup-leather may be shortened. As the lady 

 increases in confidence and address, so may the fre- 

 quency and size of the leap be also increased ; but it 

 must be always borne in mind, that if both horse and 

 rider acquit themselves satisfactorily over a small leap 

 in cool blood, they are well fitted for large performances 

 when under the excitement of company or the chase. 



ON DISMOUNTING. 



Bring the horse to the full stop, and collect him well 

 together, with the whip used upon his hind quarters. 



