Horse Pictures - Leaping

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

Leaping

Steady leaping, and to do it well, is more difficult for a horse to acquire than any other sort. As I mentioned under the head of Hunting, the horse should be fully competent to the task of measuring his ground; the quarters should be thrown well under him at the last stride, so that he can form a centre to his weight on his hind feet when he is at full rise, and be able in a standing leap to keep that balance, until he feels able to make his throw or spring; and at the moment he opens his fore-legs, the hind ones should be caught quite under the body: for in slow and steady leaps, it is almost impossible for the horse to extend his legs behind, and leap with that safety which he can, when gathered together; for instance, in double leaps, where the horse is not able to see on the other side, which is very often the case, by throwing his quarters under him, the animal has the power to renew his leap with safety.

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

"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."