* HANDS' AND OTHER MATTERS 153 



such expressions are so common, although the 

 reason for them is obvious. 



In a show-ring it is, of course, impossible to have 

 what are called " natural fences." Even if it was 

 possible, what a singularly dull show it would be 1 

 The " natural " fence jumped by hunting people 

 is a remarkably small obstacle. It is considered a 

 "stiff" fence if the horse has to clear 3 feet to 

 get over it safely, while a 4-foot jump is left only 

 to the few " thrusters." A stiff post and rails of 



4 feet 6 inches would stop the whole field. But 

 when a man gives a polished exhibition in the 

 show-ring by jumping cleanly a five -barred gate 



5 feet high, a wall of 4 feet 9 inches, a rail of 4 feet 



6 inches, a railway gate in and out, each 4 feet 

 3 inches high, besides a bush fence or two, and an 

 open ditch (steeplechase pattern), it is called trick 

 jumping ! 



I do not quite understand why. As long as 

 the hunting public affect to contemn the training 

 necessitated by successful show-ring work, and to 

 look down upon the skill it demands, there is no 

 hope for they themselves to improve. There is no 

 " trick " in teaching a horse to jump a gate, nothing 

 but patience and perseverance is required, and 

 with what object? Nothing else than training 

 both horse and rider to cross a country. Surely a 

 praiseworthy endeavour, whichever way you look 

 upon it, and, as such, should merit the applause 

 and not the contumely of hunting circles. 



Some horses are kept entirely for show-ring 

 jumping. Perhaps because, being so highly trained, 



