256 JUMPING. 



I might suggest the following obstacles over which to 

 practise the beginner : — 



1. A hurdle (commencing at 2\ feet, and ending at 

 3^ feet) bushed with gorse. 



2. A hurdle similar to No. i, with in front of it a drain 

 2 feet broad at first, and gradually widened out to 4 feet. 



3. A 2-^ foot hedge, with on the landing side a drain, 

 say, 3 feet broad, increased up to 10 feet. 



4. A heavy log " served " with hay bands to prevent the 

 animal seriously injuring his legs. It may be gradually 

 raised up to 3 feet 9 inches. I like to place another log a 

 little in front of it, so as to show the horse where to take 

 off, and to prevent him from getting too close. 



Before any jumping is attempted, the horse should be 

 made thoroughly obedient to the aids. Beginning with the 

 long reins, we may circle and turn him on foot, with the 

 outward rein round his quarters, at a smart trot or well- 

 collected canter. We may put up any suitable small fence, 

 say, a rounded, heavy log of wood served with hay bands, 

 or a hurdle, neither of which need be more than 2 feet high. 

 If our pupil is reluctant in facing the obstacle, we may work 

 him up to it with the reins, keeping him straight by the 

 pressure of the outward rein against his quarter, as he turns 

 from one side to the other, and stimulating him with the 

 voice and sound of the whip. If he persists in refusing, we 

 may put on the crupper leading- rein (see page 211), and 

 after running him about, and pulling him from side to side 

 by it a few times, in order to make him understand its use, 

 we may try to lead him over by it. Or, having handed it to 

 an assistant to go on in front, we may give him another 



