JUMPING 107 



which there is a ditch on both the " take-off " and 

 " drop " sides is also a matter of great importance. 

 The fences in the jumps, by the way, may after con- 

 siderable practice, be increased to five feet in height. 



The width of the ditches used at the jumps must, of 

 course, vary, ranging from half a yard to three yards 

 and a half. 



Having decided upon a paddock of the above 

 description as the most suitable training ground, the 

 next question that arises is, whether the beginner 

 should be jumped in the saddle, with the cavesson 

 and leading rein, by means of long double reins, or 

 with a couple of leading lines. In my opinion, it is 

 preferable that the colt be jumped with saddle and rider. 



If the pupil is going to be of much worth at 

 jumping, he will seldom show any great objection to 

 this part of his training. Of course, if the trainer is 

 foolish enough to negotiate big jumps with a green 

 horse, he will have to adopt some artificial means of 

 ensuring his own safety and the safety of the animal in 

 case of an accident. This can be done by means of 

 long reins. 



First get a pair of stout reins about twenty 

 feet long, each rein being separate in case of 



