184 METHOD OF HORSEMANSHIP. 



it will then be raised some inches, progres- 

 sively increasing the height, until the ani- 

 mal will be just able to clear it without too 

 violent an effort. To exceed this proper 

 limit, would be to risk causing a disgust on 

 the part of the horse that should be most 

 carefully avoided. The bar having been 

 thus gradually raised, ought to be made 

 fast, in order that the horse, disposed to be 

 indolent, should not make sport of an ob- 

 stacle which would be no longer serious, 

 when the touch of his feet sufficed to over- 

 turn it. The bar ought not to be wrapped 

 in any covering that would lessen its hard- 

 ness ; we should be severe when we demand 

 possibilities, and avoid the abuses that 

 always result from an ill-devised com- 

 plaisance. 



Before preparing to take the leap, the 

 rider should hold himself sufficiently firm 

 to prevent his body preceding the motion of 



