1^4 



HOW TO RIDE THE COLT AT A WIDE JUMP. 



The exception referred to in the pace is when 

 running a colt at an open ditch or brook when dis- 

 tance instead of height is the essential requirement. 

 In order to accompHsh wide brooks or open ditches 

 successfully they must be taken at a flying leap, 

 and the colt should be ridden to them at racing 

 speed. If a colt requires to be pushed at a brook it 

 is preferable to use the spurs, because if he is forced 

 by the whip or switch he is apt to swerve and refuse. 

 The hands must be held well down and the colt 

 steered straight at the brook, and he should always 

 be allowed a free head when he makes his spring 

 (Fig. 15). If this point is neglected in all pro- 

 bability he will jump short and go down in the middle 

 of the brook, while his rider will run the risk of 

 turning a complete somersault in the air, and of 

 getting a good ducking in the water. At the same 

 time he may very easily get his neck broken. Num- 

 erous accidents occur at water jumps by horses not 

 being pushed fast enough at them. The high rate of 

 speed at which horses ought to be ridden at such 

 obstacles naturally carries them across with greater 

 facility. 



HOW TO JUMP DOUBLE FENCES. 



In order to accomplish the chequered work of 

 the hunting-field, the colt should be carefully trained 

 to negotiate a double fence quietly and steadily. 



