26 HORSES 



doings of hounds before he thinks of the fences. 

 Let him learn to sit his pony over a fence, and 

 gain perfect confidence in himself; then he should 

 start out with the sole idea of keeping as near 

 hounds as he can. 



When you go hunting, you must keep your eyes 

 and your ears open. Don't waste your time in 

 admiring your boots and talking to your friends. 

 Every moment you are out you may learn some- 

 thing, and you will do well to cultivate a habit of 

 observation. Be on the alert and ready to start 

 directly there is a '^ Holloa-away ! " Then get after 

 hounds as quick as you can and do your best to 

 stick to them. 



Pick your place in the fence, and ride your own 

 line. You will probably often come to grief, and 

 experience only will teach you the place to choose ; 

 but, if you always follow, remember you will never 

 get any better. Pick your place, and don't hesitate 

 or change your mind. Keep your eye on the pack, 

 and watch closely the leading hound ; you will 

 soon learn to know when he has the scent and 

 when it is only drive that carries him on. Directly 

 you notice him faltering, take a pull at your horse, 

 and then, when the rest of the pack reach him, you 

 will see if they have overrun the scent. 



Of course when you first begin hunting you will 

 not often be in a position to watch the leading 

 hound if it is a difficult country to cross, but 

 you will be able to see him occasionally, and you 

 must make the most of your opportunity. Masters 



