20 HORSES 



possible ; because, if the horse makes a sUght 

 mistake, you are not so hable to come off, and also 

 because, with your weight off his shoulders, the 

 animal can more easily recover. 



Most steeplechasing experts ride with the feet 

 home in the stirrups, but for hunting and ordinary 

 riding the ball of the foot should rest only on the 

 iron. There are, however, many first-class men 

 who ride with the feet home, but I think the other 

 method is better, because you are able thereby to get 

 a more delicate feel of a horse's mouth ; and for the 

 same reason I advocate the arm being slightly bent 

 at the elbow. Steeplechasing is altogether different, 

 as arms and legs should then be quite straight. 

 You have to hold your horse together for ten 

 minutes or more w'ithout a moment's relief, and 

 you would find the bent arm a great strain on the 

 muscles. You will see men who are even strong 

 and in first-class condition, but unaccustomed to 

 riding races, quite tired out with three miles be- 

 tw^een the flags, whilst a mere boy w4io is used to 

 the game will finish as fresh as when he started. 



I am not, however, going to discuss race riding 

 here, and if you wish to become an expert I should 

 advise you to get some one w^ho trains chasers to 

 let you ride gallops over a course. If you will 

 take my advice you will leave it alone, as you are 

 nearly certain to get hurt sooner or later, and 

 you will find quite enough risks in the hunting- 

 field, with a great deal more satisfaction. 



I ought before this to have given you a few hints 



