Jumping for Breadth.—This is a more difficult jump to teach a new horse, because he is more fearful of a ditch than of a fence. From the nature of the jump, it can only be taught outdoors. The method of instruction is the same as for jumping for height.
As the momentum acquired by speed is essential to carry the horse’s body across an open ditch, greater speed is necessary than in jumping for height. Excessive speed, however, so weights down the forehand that it becomes difficult for the horse to raise his forehand sufficiently to clear the ditch.
CONCLUSION.
Although all horses are different one from another, the preceding rules generally apply. The rider who appreciates the needs of his horse is the one most likely to succeed in training.
To many, the expenditure of six months in training troop horses by these methods seems unnecessary and impracticable. With experienced men and amenable horses the time may be slightly reduced. A horse cannot be hurried, and slipshod, careless training is often worse than none.
As it has been found entirely practical to follow out this course with enlisted men on remounts at a regimental post, it is to be hoped that heavy, hard-gaited, uncomfortable horses to ride will soon disappear from the ranks.
