RIDING REFUSERS, 69 



it is hardly a sufficiently exact science to be treated of 

 theoretically in a book. 



Riding Refusers. 



Horses generally refuse an obstacle because they 

 are afraid of it ; are sulky ; have got into the habit 

 from being allowed or forced to " run out " by in- 

 competent or timid riders, or because they fear hurting 

 themselves when taking off or landing. In all cases, 

 the rider should sit well dow^n in the saddle, and catch a 

 good hold of the animal's head, wdth the reins well 

 separated, and both hands on them. An encouraging 

 word and firm pressure of the legs will stimulate the 

 horse's courage, while a touch of the spurs may be advis- 

 able. If the horse refuses to one particular side, the 

 rider may hold the whip in that hand and " show " it to 

 him. Some rogues are amenable to severe discipline, 

 and will jump if they get a cut of the whip, and a sharp 

 dig or two of the spurs ; though others, on the contrary, 

 will decline the invitation, if the horseman even *' feels " 

 the reins, or brushes their sides with his unarmed heels. 

 One of the worst falls I have ever had, was when riding 

 a steeplechase on a very uncertain tempered horse, 

 whose owner, a -professional jockey, had failed, a ^qw 



