Horses and Horsemastership. 85 



The object of easing the bit reins is so that the risk 

 cf a pull on the curb may be avoided. If this should 

 happen the horse is likely to be thrown out of his stride, 

 and he may either refuse to jump or else jump clumsily. 



The saddle must, of course, be gripped as tightly as 

 possible, or the seat will be shifted and the balance 

 probably lost. 



If the legs are not kept back they are pretty sure to 

 get stuck out in front of the horse "s shoulders, with the 

 double result that they cannot be used to assist in con- 

 trolling the horse, and when he lands the rider will 

 probably receive a nasty jar, even if he is not shot off; 

 moreover, the spur will probably gash the animal's arm 

 or shoulder. If the spur is applied to a willing iiorse 

 he may blunder at his jump, but of course there are 

 times when the judicious use of it becomes necessary. 

 The novice should never attempt it. 



The horse should be ridden up to the jump at a steady 

 canter, and with just enough feeling of his mouth to hold 

 him together and prevent his rushing, as most animals 

 are apt to do. 



^Vlien the " take off" is reached ease the hands by 

 simply turning the little fingers outwards, simultaneously 

 leaning back from the hips and pressing the legs well in. 

 A horse cannot jump well if his head is held in ; an inch 

 or two eases him sufficiently, provided the reins are at 

 the proper length at the start. 



