141 



CHAPTER XIII. 



LEAPING. 



Definition of the Leap— Varieties of the Leap — Difference between the Horse's 

 Leap and the Suspension of his Body during the Canter or Gallop — Manner in 

 which a Horse takes oft" — Period of Stride at which the Take Off is effected 

 — Effect of Pace and Speed on the Leap — Clearing a Fence — Landing over a 

 Jump — Influence of Blood in Jumping. 



Definition of the Leap. — The ordinary leap or jump is 

 the projection of the body off the ground by means of the 

 straightening of the hind limbs, after the fore-hand has 

 been raised. 



Varieties of the Leap. — We may divide the leap into 

 the running jump and the standing jiimp ; and each of 

 them into the high leap and long leap, which are differences 

 merely of degree. 



Difference between a Horse's Leap and the 

 Suspension of his Body during the Canter or 

 Gallop. — In the leap, the period of suspension takes place 

 when the hind legs quit the ground ; in the canter or 

 gallop, when the leading fore leg is raised (compare Figs. 

 224 to 228 and Figs. 234 to 237 with Figs. 153 to 155, and 

 with Figs. 187 to 191). It is instructive to note that a 

 definition founded on this difference is not of general 

 application to other animals. In the gallop of the grey- 

 hound, there is a period of suspension (Fig. 209) similar 



