LEAPING. 



75 



the obstacle, and its tension released be- 

 fore the horse rises in the leap. 



The legs will be carried in close to the 

 sides of the horse to support him, but he 

 should be neither spurred nor whipped at 

 the jump, as it distracts his attention at a 

 critical moment. 



If he requires it the horse should be 

 roused before he comes upon the ground 

 where he is to decide upon his place for 

 taking off, and from that time he should 

 be left to himself until he receives the sup- 

 port of the bridle as his fore-feet touch the 

 ground. The trick of throwing up one arm, 

 or of giving a cry of encouragement to the 

 horse as he rises, may work mischief by 

 causing him to swerve, but it Is then too 

 late to offer him aid in gathering for the 

 leap. 



