Free Jumping, ETC.

The first lessons may be given without a man on the horse's back. For this free jumping several methods are useful. For the first lesson a small bank is almost the best obstacle.

The trainer should have his horse so that he will lead freely. An occasional mouthful of oats given to a young horse by his trainer will soon induce him to follow kindly.

The trainer will then start by walking over quite a small bank, leading the horse on a cavesson or rein attached to the nose-band. If the horse is inclined to play up it may be necessary to attach the rein to the snaffle. Sometimes an assistant may be required to drive the horse on from behind. On no account must the trainer keep looking back towards the horse he is leading, or in all probability the latter will stop. After incredibly few times the horse will be found to negotiate the banks kindly and with ease. Each time he should be rewarded with sugar or oats.

In this manner a horse can be led over all sorts of small obstacles, but at the commencement it is essential that they should be very small.

For instance, a pole on the ground, which should only be heightened very gradually when the youngster shows sufficient ability and confidence.

It is the horse that has absolute confidence in himself that becomes the brilliant hunter.