142 ROAD, PARK, AND SCHOOL 



upon the bent hind-legs, and the fore-feet should 

 first receive the weight after the leap. To insure 

 this the snafHe bit should be used in jumping, un- 

 less the rider have the firmest of seats and the 

 lightest of hands, for the curb bit is apt to teach the 

 horse to ' buck over/ so that all four feet receive the 

 weight, and sometimes to alight in such a manner 

 that the hind-feet first reach the ground. 



After the horse alights, and has taken such sup- 

 port as it requires, the legs and hands should collect 

 it for the speed and pace with which it approached 

 the leap ; for after all such exertions, in which the 

 centre of gravity 'is violently shifted, the union is 

 lost, and must be restored by the action of the aids. 



