28 RIDING RECOLLECTIONS. 



over ridge and furrow, in the second or third stride, 

 and falls at the very moment a follower would suppose 

 he was safe over. Therefore, do not begin for your- 

 self till your leader is twenty yards into the next field 

 when you may harden your heart, set your muscles, 

 and give your horse to understand, by seat and manner, 

 that it must be in, through, or over. 



Beware, however, of hurrying him off his legs. Ride 

 him resolutely, indeed, but in a short, contracted stride ; 

 slower in proportion to the unwillingness he betrays, 

 so as to hold him in a vice, and squeeze him up to 

 the brink of his task, when, forbidden to turn from it, 

 he will probably make his effort in self-defence, and 

 take you somehow to the other side. Not one hunter 

 in a hundred can jump in good form when going at 

 speed ; it is the perfection of equine prowess, resulting 

 from great quickness and the confidence of much 

 experience. An arrant refuser usually puts on the 

 steam of his own accord, like a confirmed rusher, and 

 wheels to right or left at the last moment, with an 

 activity that, displayed in a better cause, would be 

 beyond praise. The rider, too, has more command of 

 his horse, when forced up to the bit in a slow canter, 

 than at any other pace. 



Thoroughbred horses, until their education is com- 



