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Horse Pictures - Leaping

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The Beauties and Defects in the Figure of the Horse

Delineated in a Series of Coloured Plates

by H. Alken

Published in London by S. and J. Fuller at the Temple of Fancy, 34 Rathbone Place

Notes accompanying this plate

Leaping

The fall or pitch, where there are double ditch fences, and fences ditch from you, requires particular attention. It appears to me, that more falls are occasioned by the want of knowledge of this action of leaping, on the part of the horse, than by any other description of ignorance or mistake. As soon as the spring is made, as mentioned in Plate XV, the hind legs should be so thrown over the fence, as to give a fine purchase, and the horse ought to appear to have almost the power of retracting his leap, if necessary. This shews confidence in the horse; and although I have heard many sportsmen declare that this confidence frequently tends to make the animal a short leaper, from many circumstances which have come within my own knowledge, I am clearly of opinion that the assertion is not borne out by fact. In my judgement, confidence will give the animal the power to direct his fore-feet to any point he may desire, within his compass; and for his own safety he will always cover enough space, unless prevented by his rider, which frequently occurs. In all cases where the leap is difficult, so as to require skill and knowledge in the horse, instead of courage or rashness, there cannot be a doubt that the animal ought to be left to his own discretion, without being fettered by any supposed assistance on the part of the rider.

The picture above is an illustrated plate from the 1816 publication, the inside title page of which is reproduced here along with the introduction to the book

First page of the book"By a detailed series of graphic and descriptive illustrations, it is the intention of the Author of this Work to show the good and bad points in that most useful and noble animal the Horse. He has adopted the mode of detaching various parts of the subject, because, by comparison of the distinct appearances, the general impression upon the memory of the reader is much likely to be much stronger than could result from the study of any treatise of a less abstracted nature; to understand which, a knowledge of anatomy, or a constant reference to some scientific work is indispensable.

This Publication is also intended as a Book of Lessons for such young Artists as are inclined to pursue the study of the Horse in all the different points of his figure and action.

There is no animal whose countenance combines such correct and powerful expressions of character. The physiognomy of the Horse, therefore, illustrating the different passions to which he is subject, as well as the natural bias of his temper and disposition, is an important branch of study to gentleman of the turf, and to young purchasers; for it is generally considered, that to timid riders and drivers, the temper of the beast is of more consequence than any bodily blemish.

In this point of view, therefore, the Author flatters himself that his Work will be found useful; and as his remarks are the result of the most attentive observation during many years, entirely devoted to the pleasures of the field, he trusts that the general principles which he has laid down, as well with respect to power, strength, and the various points of action as to the physiognomical character and figure of the horse, will be found fairly elucidated in the following series."

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