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The first lesson should be confined to the standing or walking leap, and if the horse is led half a dozen times over in the manner described this will suffice for the first day. The next day he may be trotted up to it, or more lessons may be devoted to teaching him to leap at command. With each succeeding lesson the bar may be raised until it is as high as the horse’s breast, but beyond this there is no necessity with common animals intended merely for private riding. Neither should the horse be wearied and disgusted with too long lessons. When perfect in his lessons a boy may be placed upon his back to ride him over. The boy must be a good rider, for should the horse stop suddenly at the bar and throw his rider the maneuver will be repeated. A sack containing a couple of bushels of corn is sometimes used instead of the boy, but the boy is better.

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STANDING ERECT.

To make a horse stand upon his hind feet it is only necessary to compel him to rear up, and then to keep him in that position by gently striking him with the whip either under the fore-arm or under the chin. At first it will be necessary to allow him to resume his natural position after standing erect for a moment or two, but in a little while he will learn to keep his balance for a considerable time. Care should be taken not to excite or keep him in the erect position too long at first. There is also some danger of his falling over backward if too urgently pressed. Ponies may be placed upon their hind feet by lifting them up by the reins, taking hold under the chin close to the bit. By giving the command, “Erect up,” when teaching the animal to take the required position, he may be taught to do so at this command, or he will soon learn to stand up by merely being tapped lightly under the chin. Now give him a few pieces of apple, and by holding out pieces of apple or other “horse” dainties, you may teach him to follow you walking erect.