17 



PLATE XV. 



LEAPING. 



The art of steady leaping, and to do it well, is more difficult for 

 a horse to acquire than any other. As I mentioned under the head 

 of Hunting, the horse should be fully competent to the task of 

 measuring his ground ; the quarters should he thrown well under 

 him at the last stride, so that he can form a centre to his weight on 

 his hind feet when he is at full rise, and he able in a standing leap 

 to keep that balance, until he feels able to make his throw or spring ; 

 and at the moment he opens his fore-legs, the hind ones should be 

 caught quite under the body : for in slow and steady leaps, it is 

 almost impossible for the horse to extend his legs behind, and leap 

 with the same safety that he can when gathered together ; for 

 instance, in double leaps, where the horse is not able to see on the 

 other side (which is very often the case), by throwing his quarters 

 under him, the animal has the power to renew his leap with safety. 



