200 



PRINCIPLES Of 



P. VII. 



stronger hold. Bearing in the stirrup, how- 

 ever, must operate to the lifting you from the 

 saddle, and must loosen any hold you may 

 take with the thighs or legs. 



Hence, those who bear in the stirrups when 

 leaping, are thrown high from the saddle, and 

 the use they make of the stirrups is to catch 

 them on their return. They plant their legs 

 forward to keep them from being thrown 

 upon the horse's neck ; and, while they keep 

 the body back, the reins hold them from 

 tumbling backward; but a rough or irre- 

 gular Leap so disconcerts the best practi- 

 tioners in that way, that if they do not come 

 to the ground, they are thrown out of their 

 seat, and scramble into it as they can, 



Leaps are taken standing or flying. The 

 first is most difficult to sit, though always 

 practised first, because the slow and steady 

 Leaping of a properly broke horse, gives the 

 rider time and recollection, and the master 

 standing by can direct, and prevent acci- 

 dents. 



