LEAPING 139 



the left when he refuses, a sharp crack 

 on the near shoulder, being unusual 

 and unexpected, sometimes prevents 

 his turning. When, in one way or an- 

 other, he finally has been forced to 

 yield, he should be rewarded by a few 

 words of approval. At the next fence 

 a firm hold, keeping his head straight 

 and his legs well under him, will be of 

 more service than a whip, unless he re- 

 fuses again, when the lesson must be re- 

 peated. 



At least half of the refusals are the 

 fault of the rider, and it is most unjust 

 Rider at to punish a horse at such times. 

 Fault Unfortunately, conceit is such a 

 common failing that few of us are will- 

 ing to acknowledge ourselves in the 

 wrong, therefore the poor horse suffers 

 for our error. The timid rider sends the 

 horse at an obstacle in such a half- 

 hearted way that he does not know 



