Mr. J. M. Richardson's Writings Collated 



Though, like everything else, cross-country riding has 

 undergone considerable changes since it first came into fashion, 

 just over seventy years ago, it has never lost its popularity 

 either with those taking an active part in it, or the general 

 public ; the element of danger, which is present perhaps to a 

 greater extent than in any other sport to be mentioned, being, 

 as is invariably the case, an irresistible attraction to both. 

 One thing is certain, which is that unless an aspirant to steeple- 

 chase honours thoroughly makes up his mind beforehand to 

 put his whole heart and soul into his work, with his neck a 

 secondary consideration, he may just as well leave the game 

 alone altogether for all the satisfaction he is likely to get 

 out of it. 



That the example of some of those who rode over the 

 severe country courses in the long ago has done much to 

 improve the breed of horses there can be no question, and for 

 their pluck, and energy in showing us what a well-bred horse 

 with a good rider on his back can accomplish, we owe them a 

 debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. 



It is, no doubt, difficult to treat contemporary characters 

 and events, and it may be doubted if the difficulty is dimin- 

 ished, when we commemorate the men who have preceded us. 

 The writer who is personally acquainted with his theme holds 

 unquestionably a great advantage, and it will be found that 

 the most interesting reminiscences in this volume are those 

 which have been contributed by actors in the scenes they have 

 described. 



Pascal says that, in composing a book, the last thing that 

 one learns is how to begin. 



I hope, therefore, that in commencing with Lord Clanri- 

 carde my readers will agree with me that he is entitled to the 

 position. 



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