58 HINTS ON HORSEMANSHIP 



observed that the flight of the hind legs is not 

 higher than that of the fore legs, and that they 

 are suddenly forced downwards ; and here it will 

 be seen also that the line H F on landing is 

 greater than the line H F on taking off, which 

 demonstrates the point that in this instance the 

 horse has landed less well balanced than when 

 taking off. 



If the body is kept back the whole time, then 

 the horse is forced to drag his hind legs, and they 

 perform then a parabola less high than that of the 

 fore. (For the sake of clearness I have shown 

 only one fore and hind leg and have exaggerated 

 the parabolas, so as to keep the dotted lines as 

 separate as possible.) So that we can see, if the 

 truth of these diagrams are admitted, that leaning 

 back on landing has the following disadvantages : — 



(1) It puts pressure upon the horse's loins at 

 the very moment he should be free. 



(2) It interferes with the lifting power of the 

 hind quarters. 



(3) It prevents a horse landing properly balanced. 



(4) It necessitates the rider lengthening his reins. 



(5) It makes him unable to collect the horse 

 until he has regathered them, and should any 

 unexpected obstacle appear he is not in a position 

 to negotiate it. 



(6) It in no way lessens the strain upon the fore 

 feet on landing. 



(7) Finally, if the horse should peck as he lands, 

 on account of the body being already back and 

 the reins lengthened, the rider has used his " last 



