FALLS. 379 



his feet. We may observe that when a horse is lying 

 on his side he invariably makes a preparatory half roll 

 in rising from that position. 



The first thing to do when a horse comes down, is 

 to try to get clear as soon as possible, and to let go the 

 reins, unless the rider can retain them without any risk. 

 She is so encumbered by her skirt, even if it is only an 

 apron, that she will probably get kicked or trodden on, 

 if she hangs on to the reins. " Scrutator " wisely 

 remarks that " so long as there is a chance of holding 

 him together, the pigskin should not be abandoned, 

 but when that chance is gone, by your horse's fore-legs 

 getting into the ditch on the other side, throw yourself 

 clear of him to avoid a pommelling." In such times of 

 difficulty and danger, a lady should remember to leave 

 her horse's mouth alone, and not frighten him, at a 

 moment when her life may depend on his remaining 

 quiet. Whatever happens, she should never utter a 

 startled cry, for that will do no good and may lead to 

 disastrous results. Professor Sample, the American 

 " Horse Tamer," once found himself underneath a 

 cart, while breaking a horse to harness with the long- 

 reins. Enveloped as he was in his driving reins, a bad 

 accident might have resulted if he had not kept his 

 presence of mind, while his faithful "Jo," whom he 

 called to his assistance as if nothing had happened, 

 came and helped him out of his dangerous position. 

 He then turned to the audience and calmly told them 

 that he was showing them " how not to do it ! " When 

 a lady gets a bad fall out hunting, and we see her 



