LEAPING 179 



varieties. The jump is effected by a sudden and vigorous 

 extension of the hinder limbs after bringing them well 

 under the animal by the action of the flexor tendons. The 

 body is then, as it were, projected forwards in proportion 

 to the force of the impulse. Hence the importance of the 

 iiunter possessing powerful loins, muscular thighs, wide and 

 well-let-down hocks, and oblique shoulders for landing 

 safely. Though weight-caiTying hunters must be large 

 framed, it does not follow that a large animal can leap a 

 greater distance than smaller ones ; the length or height of 

 the leap being measured by the force in relation to the 

 weight of the body projected thereby. 



The varieties of leap proposed to be noticed are — 1, the 

 standing leap ; 2, the flying leap ; 3, the buck leap ; 4, 

 timber, wall, and water jumping. 



The Standing Leap is only suitable for slight obstacles, 

 such as a horse can easily surmount by rising at them with 

 bent fore legs, and his head at liberty. In the standing 

 leap the horse rises on his hind legs by bringing them well 

 under him, his rise being more or less perpendicular 

 according to the height of the obstacle. Some horses are re- 

 markably clever at a standing leap, while others (often they 

 have been spoiled by bad riders taking them too close up 

 to the obstacle, and then not letting them have their heads) 

 will scarcely rise unless allowed a run. The horse being 

 thus in a learing attitude, except that his fore legs are 

 flexed to enable him to rise more easily, he springs, after a 

 second or so of balancing, upward or forward, throwing out 

 his fore legs and landing with a drawing action, and bringing 

 the hinder feet well in under his quarters on landing, ready 

 for another spring forward. It may be easily guessed that 

 to keep your seat in a standing leap of good height requires 

 some skill from the great change which the horse's position 

 undergoes in regard to his rider. A judicious equilibrium 

 and a good hold with the knees are quite as necessary in 

 this style of leap, sloio as it is voted by Meltonians, as in 

 the more showy flying leap. 



In many places where a stile or low gate, with a branch 

 of a tree overhanging it, has to be crossed, a perfect hunter 

 will gather himself together and tilt himself over with a 

 safety which a flying leap is far from ensuring. Yet, as 

 we have before said, the standing leap having been voted 

 " slow " by modern " fast " men, we will pass to the next. 



