LEAPING. 



123 



which, if possible, should be large enough to make him 

 forget the leaping, or think of it only as an accidental 

 episode in the ride. The ground also should be no 

 harder than good firm turf. Let him jump towards his 

 stable or towards home by preference, and it will be well 

 to let your assistant hold some little article of food which 

 he is especially fond of in view just beyond the bar, so 

 that his attention may be distracted from the effort, 

 while an agreeable association is given him with it, and 

 he is prevented from thinking that the obstacle is one 

 of 3^our making. Bear in mind that your object at 

 present is threefold : to induce him to take a liking for 

 the new exercise; to give him ease and confidence in 

 the performance of it; and to train and strengthen by 

 use the muscles brought into pla}^, so that none of the 

 unpleasant results mentioned above may follow. There- 

 fore do not for a considerable time set the bar more 

 than two feet high, but practise him at it several times 

 a day; first, as already said, at a walk, then at a slow 

 trot, and then at a canter, making him lead first with 

 one foot, then with the other, until he not only springs 

 over without touching and without apparently thinking 

 anything about it, but shows by his lengthening or 

 shortening his stride on approaching, so as to " take off" 

 at the right distance, that his eye is becoming educated; 

 and, finally, until a careful daily inspection of his feet 

 and legs has proved that no soreness or tenderness any- 

 where is caused by this exercise. If he does not jump 



