168 RIDING RECOLLECTIONS. 



to answer, " This is the brook, coming home ! " but if 

 you try the same game a third time, I cannot undertake 

 to say what may happen, you will probably puzzle him 

 exceedingly, upset .his temper, and throw him out of 

 gear for the day. 



We have travelled a long way, however, from our 

 original subject, tuition of the thorough- bred for the 

 field, or perhaps I should call it the task of turning a 

 bad race-horse into a good hunter. 



Like every other process of education this requires 

 exceeding perseverance, and a patience not to be over- 

 come. The irritation of a moment may undo the lessons 

 of a week, and if the master forgets himself, you may be 

 sure the pupil will long remember which of the two was 

 in fault. Never begin a quarrel if it can possibly be 

 avoided, because, when war is actually declared, you 

 must fight it out to the bitter end, and if you are beaten, 

 you had better send your horse to Tattersall's, for you 

 will never be master again. 



Stick to him till he does what you require, trusting, 

 nevertheless, rather to time than violence, and if you 

 can get him at last to obey you of his own free will, 

 without knowing why, I cannot repeat too often, you 

 will have won the most conclusive of victories. 



When the late Sir Charles Knightley took Sir Marinel 



