PLATE 76

Nearing the end of the landing phase, and all goes well. The pair are alert, and should get away on a good stride. The rider is looking forward and summing up the arrangements to be made for the next approach. He is sitting nicely but is putting a little weight on the pony's neck through the right hand. This is a habit that should be quickly eradicated, as constructive action with the right rein cannot be attempted until the hand has returned to its proper position.

PLATE 77

A very different state of affairs. The pony has made a very free and bold jump and no doubt has moved quickly through the air. The rider, in his efforts to go with him and get his weight forward, has pushed his arms out, at the same time throwing his head and body down. This has pulled his knee up and off the saddle, with consequent displacement of the lower leg. He will not, therefore, have control at the beginning of the getaway. The picture suggests that the reins were too short at the take-off.

PLATE 76

PLATE 77

PLATE 78

There is a regrettable tendency among the younger generation to use the hands as a buffer against the pony's neck to stop the forward swing of the body when landing and to help balance. The result, of course, is that control disappears. Not only are the hands themselves inoperative until moved to their proper place but the body and legs are also adversely affected. A possible cause of this habit is the use of the mane and not the neck-strap as a safeguard against loss of balance over the fence. The hand is often to be seen sliding up the pony's neck on the approach preparatory to holding the mane at the take-off. Here the left hand is being used very far up the neck to prevent the rider from pitching further forward, and, as can readily be seen, control will not recommence until after the next stride, at the earliest.

PLATE 79

An otherwise satisfactory landing spoiled by the right hand being used high up the neck to take up weight and retain balance. The result of this—lack of control at the getaway—will not, of course, materially affect the issue if the jumps are sited some distance apart. But difficulties will at once arise in the case of double or treble fences.

PLATE 78

PLATE 79

PLATE 80

Rhythm, poise, and elegance, combined with a thoroughly sound position, will always bring results. A very nice picture of workmanlike efficiency.

PLATE 81

What is done is done! The unforgivable sin! Never look round.

PLATE 80

PLATE 81

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