“Chancing” fences.—This dangerous fault may be corrected by driving the horse with the long reins over fences (see Chapter VI.) which are too stiff to chance, but which are well within the compass of the animal’s powers.

Jumping too slowly.—Many horses commit this fault without attempting, in any way, to refuse. It is often caused by the practice of teaching animals to jump by means of the cavesson and leading-rein; for, by employing this method, the weight is unduly thrown on the fore-hand, and consequently the horse, not having his hind-legs well under him when he “lands” over the fence, is unable to get quickly away from it. Besides this, the horse has to moderate his speed in accordance with that of the man in front of him. By driving horses with the long reins on foot, in the manner described in Chapter VI., we teach them to go with their hind-legs well under them and at any pace we like; and, by so doing, we can quickly get them out of the habit of “dwelling” at their fences.

“Refusing.”—See Chapters VI. and XII. Before taking in hand a horse that jumps “unkindly,” we should carefully examine him in order to see if his fault arises from disease, or infirmity. If such be the case, the animal should not be tried at jumping, until he is sound.

Running out at fences.—For this, we should use the long reins on foot. By their proper employment, we can make a horse go so straight that he will turn neither to one side, nor to the other, when jumping a 3 ft. 6 in. post and rails, for instance, which is only 3 ft. long, and is unprovided with wings of any sort.

Rushing at fences.—This fault can also be easily overcome by the employment of the long reins on foot, and the horse made to regulate his pace, according to the wish of his rider, without shewing any impatience.