120 



HORSEMANSHIP FOR WOMEN. 



a very little previous practice would have enabled them 

 to spring over without bestowing a second thought upon 

 it. The total indifference on this subject of leaping 

 among our people is really quite remarkable, for one 

 can hardly take a ride anywhere in the country with- 

 out there arising some occasions when even a little 

 knowledge of the art would have added to one's pleas- 

 ure. How often, for instance, an easy fence separates 

 the dusty road, too hard as well as too hot for fast rid- 

 ing, from some cool wood with its shaded turf, where a 

 gallop would be delightful and would do the horse good 

 instead of harm. The reason of this indifference is not 

 only the fear of getting shaken off, but a doubt as to 

 the horse's ability to leap, and a dread of doing him 

 some harm by such an unusual exertion. All these 

 apprehensions are very likely well-founded, for if you 

 have never done any leaping your first essay will, in all 

 probability, give you a severe shock. Then if your 

 horse is green at this sort of work, and the fence is at 

 all difficult, he will not improbably refuse altogether, or 

 jump so unwillingly and clumsily as to risk your bones 

 as well as his own ; and if he does not really fall, he 

 may cause such a strain upon unaccustomed muscles as 

 to set up a " splint " or " spavin," producing at least 

 temporary lameness. ISTevertheless, all these excellent 

 reasons for not trying to leap can gradually, but rapidly 

 and with perfect safety, be removed by practice, and 

 practice of a kind very pleasant and interesting, while. 



