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PLATE XVI. 



LEAPING. 



The fall or pitch, where there are double ditch fences, and 

 fences with the ditch from you, requires particular attention. It 

 appears to me, that more falls are occasioned by the want of know- 

 ledge of this action of leaping, on the part of the horse, than by any 

 other description of ignorance or mistake. As soon as the spring 

 is made, as mentioned in Plate XV., the hind-legs should be so 

 thrown over the fence, as to give a fine purchase, and the horse 

 ought to appear to have almost the power of retracting his leap, if 

 necessary. This shows that the horse has confidence in his own 

 powers ; and although I have heard many sportsmen declare that 

 this confidence frequently tends to make the animal a short leaper, 

 yet, from many circumstances which have come within my own know- 

 leo'de, I am clearly of opinion that the assertion is not borne out 

 by the fact. In my judgment, confidence will give the animal the 

 power to direct his fore-feet to any point he may desire, within 

 his compass ; and for his own safety he will always cover enough 

 space, unless prevented by his rider, which too frequently occurs. 

 In all cases where the leap is difficult, so as to require care and 

 knowledge in the horse, instead of courage or rashness, there 

 cannot be a doubt that the animal ought to be left to his own 

 discretion, without being fettered by any supposed assistance on the 

 part of the rider. 



