96 HOKSE-BREAKING. 



would liave cleared it, but he fell so collectedly 

 that he did not unseat me although I had to 

 dismount to allow him to regain his feet. I 

 always considered this a good lesson, for the 

 colt afterwards, whenever nearing a water- 

 jump, increased his speed of his own accord, 

 having evidently learnt that water could not be 

 crossed standing. Depend upon it, the less 

 you try to teach a colt to go across country the 

 better, for he can do it much better than you 

 can teach him, provided you only leave him 

 alone. 



In teaching a colt over artificial fences, 

 great care must be taken not to sicken him of 

 his work, but every endeavour should be made 

 to get him to be fond and eager to jump ; 

 therefore, if he is ridden once backwards and 

 forwards over the fences three times a week it 

 will be quite sufficient. In the meantime you 

 may give him a leap or two out of one field 

 into another, or take him out with the hounds 

 for a short distance. 



A perfect leaper is one who takes his fences 



