The Horse, as Comrade and Friend 



two sets of vertical posts, when they are 

 very high, 25^ down and 25^ up again to the 

 top of the second posts. These are essentials 

 in the prevention of accidents, and for that 

 reason attention is here especially drawn to 

 them. As to the character of the obstacles 

 themselves attached to the vertical posts, 

 they may vary from the plain rope or bar to 

 the most comphcated hurdles, furze bushes, 

 gates and imitation walls, for the time being 

 in vogue at the shows. 



But, whatever the character of the obstacle 

 you want the horse or pony to jump, begin 

 with leading him through the approaches and 

 vertical posts, at a walk, with nothing in the 

 shape of any obstacle there. Let him examine 

 and smell the posts, guide bars, and whatever 

 else there may be there of a permanent nature, 

 to his heart's content, and so thoroughly that he 

 will take no further notice of them. Then, if 

 you are going to start him with a rope or bar, 

 let the rope or bar lie on the ground and let 

 him walk over it. Put it up three inches and let 

 him walk over it again — ^then another three inches 

 and so on until he finds it necessary to hop 

 over it. Remember always the little steps. If 

 you are starting him to learn to jump a furze- 

 bush hurdle, first put a little loose furze bush 

 between the vertical posts and let him walk 

 over it ; then a Httle more ; then the beginning 

 of a hurdle, and add to its height quite 



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