32 J^int^ to 23utJtJing ^^portsmcn. 



remainder of the run, will not people believe you to 

 be a desperate plucky fellow! Never, however, assist 

 another man when down, and on no account catch 

 a loose horse yourself. If one approaches you, shout 

 out to others to do so : it sounds good-natured, and 

 won't delay you personally. 



If a man has dismounted to unhinge a gate, or 

 what not, press through before he has re-mounted — 

 you would have lost time had you waited — and if he 

 cannot get on again unassisted, the sooner he learns to 

 do so the better. 



It may here be as well to lay down a few simple and 

 general rules to be observed when riding at fences, 

 and the following may be found of use to the novice. 



At a blind fence, or very strong high timber, you 

 may find it conducive to your safety to spur all you 

 know, give plenty of rein, and, if you have time and 

 presence of mind, to administer also three rib-roasters 

 to your steed as he nears the obstacle. This course 

 gives him plenty of timiC to use the reasoning powers 

 nature has endowed him with, as well as to collect 

 his quarters well beneath him for the required spring, 

 and many daily safely negotiate such obstacles upon 

 this plan, although a fall cannot by so doing always 

 be averted. At an open brook, ride as hard as you 

 can until you get within fifteen or twenty feet of its 

 brink, then seize the back of the saddle with your 



