The Gentleman s Sent.. 105 



Jumping is a part of riding, every good rider 

 can sit a horse jumping, or, at least, ought to he 

 able to do so. And I have often told my pupils 

 that I cannot teach them to jump. It is no use 

 for any person to attempt this part of horseman- 

 ship until he has become a fairly good rider, and 

 then, being well mounted, he may safely take any 

 ordinary leap without fear. Sit firmly in your 

 seat, hands well down and arms to side, and let 

 your horse know that you expect him to take the 

 leap you put him to. Keep the body erect when 

 the horse rises, and when he alights on the 

 opposite side keep him well in hand, but do not 

 interfere with his freedom of action. When 

 taking walls and other heights do not go headlong, 

 but slacken and steady his pace, as it is not the 

 long stride that will carry him over, but the 



