JUMPING. 209 



In good style. We must also remember that out 

 hunting, and with large fields, like what we see with 

 the Quorn and Pytchley, the ability to obtain instant 

 control over one's mount, even In the midst of exciting 

 surroundings, Is essential for the safety of one's self, 

 one's horse, and one's companions, and for avoiding 

 Interference with sport. ... I have known some 

 horses, whose mouths had evidently been spoiled by In- 

 judicious, if not cruel, treatment, that would go quietly 

 only in a snaffle." Whyte Melville, discussing the merits 

 of the snaffle, says : — ''This bit, the Invention of common- 

 sense going straight to its object, while lying easily on 

 the tongue and bars of a horse's mouth, and affording 

 control without pain, is perfection of its kind." Of the 

 double bridle he says : — " I need hardly explain to my 

 reader that it loses none of the advantages belonging 

 to the snaffle, while it gains in the powerful leverage 01 

 the curb a restraint few horses are resolute enough to 

 defy. In skilful hands, varying, yet harmonising, the 

 manipulation of both, as a musician plays treble and 

 bass on the pianoforte. It would seem to connect the 

 rider's thought with the horse's movement, as if an 

 electric chain passed through wrist, and finger and 

 mouth, from the head of the one to the heart of the 

 other." 



JUMPING. 



After the pupil has mastered the art of trotting, 

 cantering, and galloping, and understands how to 

 handle and control her mount with correctness and 



14 



