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CHAPTER XIII. 



LEAPING. 



Definition of the Leap — Varieties of the Leap — Manner in which the Horse 

 takes off in the Running Leap — Difference between the Horse's Leap 

 and the Suspension of his Body during the Canter or Gallop — Period of 

 Stride at which the Take Off is effected — Effect of Pace and Speed on 

 the Leap — Taking off and clearing a Fence — Landing over a Jump — In- 

 fluence of Blood in Jumping — The Standing Leap. 



Definition of the Leap. — The ordinary leap or jump is 

 the projection of the body off the ground by means of the 

 hind Hmbs, after the forehand has been raised. 



Varieties of the Leap. — We may divide the leap into 

 the running jtiuip and the standing jtunp ; and each of them 

 into the high leap and long leap. 



Manner in which the Horse takes off in the 

 Running Leap. — The animal makes his preparation when 

 he supports his body on his leading fore leg {see Figs. 

 ii6 and 139), by straightening which (and especially its 

 fetlock joint) he raises his forehand. At the same time, 

 he brings one hind leg down (generally that on the same 

 side as the leading fore), followed by the other hind (see 

 Figs. 117 and 118, and Figs. 140 and 141), and, by straighten- 

 ing them out, projects the body upward and forward (i-^^Figs. 



