134 LEAPING. 



experience of the hunting field and steeplechase course, we 

 may accept the truth of the old saying that one should ride 

 slow at " timber." Also, I am inclined to think that a horse 

 will not clear as great a width when taking a water jump if he 

 is sent at his topmost speed at it, as he would do were his 

 rate of going slightly moderated, so as to enable him to raise 

 his forehand sufficiently off the ground in order to obtain 

 the angle of elevation which will enable him to cover the 

 maximum distance. 



Taking off and clearing a Fence. — It is evident 

 that the more a horse, in the leap, brings his hind feet 

 forward as compared to the position of the prints of the 

 fore feet, the greater will be the angle at which he can, at 

 the speed he is going, project his body upward. Also, 

 the more he raises his head, the more will he, by bringing 

 back the centre of gravity, increase its angle of elevation. 

 Besides, as the forward and upward movements of the fore 

 limbs depend on the action of the muscles of the neck, the 

 direction in which the fore legs will be raised, will naturally 

 depend on that of the neck. A horse, therefore, when 

 approaching a fence which will tax his powers to clear, should 

 regulate his speed, so that the impetus obtained from it may 

 be in due proportion to the propulsion derived from the 

 limbs ; should bring his hind feet well under his body ; 

 and should hold his head high. I am here supposing 

 that the animal takes off at the correct distance from the 

 obstacle. These actions constitute, as regards the horse, 

 what is popularly and somewhat vaguely called " collect- 

 ing " himself. 



We may note that although, when preparing to leap, the 



