84 Horses and Horsemastership, 



simply one of the methods of conveying the rider's wishes 

 to his mount, and makes use of them as an extra means 

 of hanging on. The reins should never be regarded in 

 this light. It should be impressed upon every beginner 

 that his balance should, and must, be maintained irre- 

 spective of the reins, and that until he can do this good 

 hands will not be possible. 



JUMPING. 



No man can be considered to have a safe seat until 

 he can sit a horse over any reasonable jump or flight of 

 jumps which may present themselves. 



Jumping a decently trained horse is not nearly such 

 a difficult matter as it seems, and even an untrained 

 one, if ridden at a jump bv a horseman who has no fear 

 and knows how he should ride, will in most cases get 

 over. 



The subject is one capable of great expansion, but to 

 be brief the chief points to remember are : 



1. Ease the bit reins and ride on the bridoon only. 



2. Grip your saddle with your thighs. 



3. Keep your legs well back and well in, but avoid 



using the spur. 



4. Tlie instant before the horse takes off ease your 



hands, and lean back without relaxing your grip 

 of the saddle. 



5. Lock straight ahead and sit square. 



