126 



HORSEMANSHIP FOE WOMEN. 



the animal against the bar instead of over it. Tlie reins 

 should be held in botli hands, and after the horse has 

 been collected with the curb, as may very likely be nec- 

 essary, the curb should be relaxed, so that on approach- 

 ing the leap he may feel only the gentle pressure of the 

 snaffle, which will not make him fear to thrust forward 

 his head, a fear which would possibly result in bringing 

 him down on all fours at once, or even with the hind- 

 feet first. As he rises to his leap, keep a steady but very 

 gentle tension on the reins, being ready to support him 

 firmly as his fore-feet touch the earth. 



It is now time to experiment with low stone walls 

 and with brooks, being always on your guard against 

 those concealed man-traps in the shape of loose stones, 

 which form one of the chief dangers of leaping in this 

 country. 



All this while we have been assuming the rider to be 

 an accomplished horsewoman, and quite an fait at her 

 fences. If, however, the business is entirely new to her, 

 let her not be at all disheartened, for her own education 

 can be carried on simultaneously with that of the horse, 

 and without the least detriment to it. In this case, 

 keep to the standing leap — that is, the leap taken from 

 a walk — although it is really the most difficult to sit, 

 until you can support the unusual motion without be- 

 ing in the least loosened in the saddle, and do not try 

 the higher ones till you are perfect in the lower. The 

 hands should be held as low as possible above the right 



