30 RIDING RECOLLECTIONS. 



time to teach him this accomplishment, while his limbs 

 are supple and his spirit roused. If he seems willing 

 to face them, let him take his fences in his own way ; 

 do not force or hurry him, but keep fast hold of his 

 head without varying the pressure of hand or limb by 

 a hairsbreadth ; the least uncertainty of finger or 

 inequality of seat will spoil it all. Should the ditch 

 be towards him, he will jump from a stand, or nearly 

 so, but, to your surprise, will land safe in the next field. 

 If it is on the far side, he will show more confidence, 

 and will perhaps swing over the whole with something 

 of an effort in his canter. A foot or two of extra 

 width may cause him to drop a hind-leg, or even bring 

 him on his nose; so much the better! no admonition 

 of yours would have proved as effectual a warning he 

 will take good care to cover distance enough next time. 

 Dispense with your leader now, if you are pretty close 

 to the hounds, for your horse is gathering confidence with 

 every stride. He can gallop, of course, and is good 

 through dirt it is also understood that he is fit to go ; 

 there are not many in a season, but let us suppose you 

 have dropped into a run ; if he carries you well to the 

 finish, he will be a hunter from to-day. 



After some five and twenty minutes, you will find 

 him going with more dash and freedom, as his neighbours 



