Perfection, the complete outcome of mental and physical endeavor, is a goal that must always be just around the corner. Yet the qualities necessary to strive relentlessly for it often bring out the best in us. The attainment of success, carrying with it peace of mind and justified inward satisfaction, can never be easy whatever the objective may be, and, however sensational the success may seem, one knows instinctively that a little something here, or a little something there, would have improved the standard of that success.

In the field of sport it is happily the case that there is a very wide divergence of opinion as to the merits of different forms of sport. Some maintain that football produces the complete answer as entertainment, and entire satisfaction as a result of skill and effort. Others derive greater pleasure from watching or playing golf; whilst others again prefer to develop their prowess at athletics. Whatever sphere is chosen, the path to intended perfection is difficult. Hard work, determination and concentration, a thorough knowledge of the technicalities of the subject, and, perhaps first and foremost, enthusiasm for it, are imperative for success. The aspirant to fame must be prepared to give himself happily and whole-heartedly to the fulfilment of his ambitions. Who knows but one day perfection may no longer be just around the corner?

Show Jumping, which has now definitely "arrived" in Great Britain as an international sport, is no exception to this. Being a dual performance, dependent upon the harmonious synchronization of action and movement of horse and rider, it takes precedence above purely individual sports. In addition to being a decorative and exciting spectacle, jumping can afford anyone an enthralling subject for study. Riding over fences in the ring is an art of its own, requiring skill, nerve, cool determination, and mutual sympathy and understanding. There is no doubt that some riders have a natural flair for Show Jumping, but there can be no reason why those not so fortunately gifted should not learn to acquit themselves with distinction, by intelligent application of the principles involved.

My object, therefore, in compiling this small book is to draw attention, with the aid of photographs, to the ways and means of jumping, to emphasize the basic principles, and to endeavor to point out its technicalities. There are three main factors upon which success depends. The horse's natural jumping propensities must be of a sufficiently high standard to be capable of being molded to compete with great heights and spreads, and he needs to be bold, courageous, but nevertheless calm. His training on the flat will clearly determine the quality and efficiency of the whole performance, and the attitude or position adopted by the rider will affect directly his ability to control and influence the horse's movements and effort. For purposes of convenience and study, a Show Jumping round can be divided into five distinct phases which, in practice, merge into one smooth and fluent whole, showing grace and rhythm of movement. During the approach the rider is making arrangements for jumping the next fence; at the take-off, when the horse is making the propulsive effort required to clear the obstacle, the rider is adjusting his weight to conform with the horse's upward and forward movement; while airborne, the rider is again distributing his weight in order that it in no way interferes with the horse's jumping effort; on landing, he is ensuring that his attitude is conducive to instantaneous control; and immediately after, he is again commencing the approach. Throughout, the rider is relying on the dividends obtained from training on the flat. Initial education in free forward movement enables him to vary pace. Obedience to hand and leg makes possible control of stride, and facilitates changes in direction. The maintenance of balance makes the approach work smooth, the horse's jumping effort of maximum power, and his head carriage constant. The production of impulsion carries with it a reserve of energy, which can be disposed of at will

Jumping is a fascinating and tantalizing game. It embraces so many different angles of equitation. It allows of different styles and techniques. But there can be no doubt that the hunting field provides a basis which is shared by no other country.

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