LEAPING 137 



them, or from weak knees, or corns 

 that cause him to dread the concussion 

 of landing, he should not be forced to 

 jump — it is both cruel and unsafe. 

 If he be sound and well, and the fence 

 not beyond his capabilities, the rider 

 must know whether the disinclina- 

 tion to jump comes from timidity or 

 from temper. She will soon learn to 

 distinguish between the two, but it is 

 difficult to lay down any rule for rec- 

 ognizing the difference. If she 

 thinks it is for the former 

 reason, the cause may be that he was 

 not in his stride when he should have 

 taken off, and was allowed to sprawl 

 as he cantered. She should take him 

 back and keep him well collected, mak- 

 ing him take short, quick strides in the 

 canter, measuring the distance, and giv- 

 ing him his head when he should take 

 off. If he seems inclined to swerve or 



