136 



LEAPING. 



In the high jump, tiie animal should keep his hind legs well 

 bent until he is clear of the obstacle {see PI. 69), so that, 

 if need be, as might occur in the case of an unexpected wide 

 drain being met with at the landing side, he may strike the 

 fence with his hind legs, and thus give himself a fresh for- 

 ward impulse. 



When a horse is suspended in the air during a leap, he 

 may move his limbs or retain them in one position, according 

 to what he feels to be most conducive to his safety. 



Landing over a Jump. — The prettiest style, and 

 probably safest manner, of landing in the leap, is for the two 

 fore legs to be kept straightened out and comparatively close 

 together {see Figs. 152 and 153) until they are near the ground, 



Fig. 152. Landing over a Jump. Fig. 153. 



when one of them comes down, and is followed by the other, 

 which is placed a little distance in front of It. This neat 

 method of landing gives the impression to the observer that 

 the horse comes down on both fore feet at the same time. 

 If we compare Fig, 153 and PI. 69 with Fig. 146, we shall 

 feel convinced that the plan of landing with one fore leg 

 bent, as In the latter style. Is not so safe as in the former ; for 

 in the event of any falter being made by the supporting fore 



