Horse Pictures - The Bucking Leap

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

The Bucking Leap

This leap is similar to the action of the deer; and the horse, in the performance of it, displays a very grand and prepossessing appearance. There ought to be a great distinction between the action of the animal, in this leap, and in that which I before described: for although I have just remarked on the propriety of the horse gathering his quarters under him, I do not consider this rule as applicable to the fly leap. It is but rarely indeed that any but very hot horses follow this method, which certainly is not a good one. In the first place, the action itself requires great exertion, both on the part of the rider and the horse, an effort which is not at all calculated for endurance: secondly, it is very dangerous, as the horse addicted to it seldom knows whence to spring, or to take off from, or how to measure his leap; and it very often occurs that the animal, having his head cleaving the air, entirely forgets to put his fore-legs down on the ground, and consequently he comes bolt on his knees and chest. I rode a mare of this description for two seasons; she was four years old, and excessively violent, although a powerful leaper as to height and distance. For the first season I had four or five falls a day, upon an average, and all in consequence of her violent bucking leaps.

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."