The Sporting Dictionary and Rural Repository, Volume 2 (of 2) / Of General Information upon Every Subject Appertaining to the Sports of the Field

by William Taplin

LEAPING

—is a leading perfection in a horse that very much enhances his value as a HUNTER; without which qualification, he is held in no great estimation when shewn in the field. Leaping, in its general signification, extends to the two kinds called flying and standing; a horse perfect in each, with equal temper, and a fair portion of SPEED, is then called a complete or made HUNTER; and if he has a corresponding uniformity of figure, and excellence of action, both his reputation and worth become increased in proportion. There are very few horses of speed and spirit, but what become good FLYING LEAPERS by short practice in the field with hounds, which, indeed, is the only proper place to teach them; but it is not so with STANDING LEAPS which should be taught coolly and calmly at the leaping-bar, with great serenity of temper, patience, and perseverance, by which alone any horse can attain perfection.