THE RIDING 231 



allow yourself to shirk it, you will never go near 

 another all day. In an instance of this sort, you 

 must make up your mind to jump that first 

 fence, however much your nerves may object, 

 and you must pick out your own place, not the 

 gap that every one is making for, but a fair- 

 sized jump. Once you are over the initial leap, 

 happiness for the rest of the day will be your 

 reward. 



Always be careful not to cut off — get between 

 — hounds and the rest of the pack, or when they 

 are going to the huntsman. When hounds swing 

 towards you at a check as if they thought the 

 line was beneath you, turn your horse's head 

 round and move back, or you will stop them in 

 making their full swing. 



These little hints may, I hope, prove useful ; 

 but the beginner, if he keeps his eyes open, will 

 soon learn for himself. In conclusion, I may add 

 that it is always wise to get over a fence without 

 a fall, but it is much better to get over with a 

 fall than remain on the wrong side. 



