RIDING TO HOUNDS 233 



well to be ready for this contingency and edge 

 off to that flank ; and the more so, for on turning 

 up-wind the scent will probably improve, if the 

 hounds turn with the fox without any check, and 

 the pace will be faster than ever. 



If it is certain there is no wire or other lurking 

 danger, it is not necessary to almost pull a horse 

 up when nearing a fence and then set him going 

 again, as so many ordinary hunting riders do, 

 even when hounds are running their best. It 

 shows that the rider has not yet fully mastered 

 the art of riding, and it loses a lot of time. If a 

 firm, steady pressure is taken of the bit when 

 about a hundred yards away, with an extra 

 pressure of the knees, while the eyes are fixed 

 on the exact spot selected, and not allowed 

 to wander, the horse will instinctively go for 

 that precise spot, and cocking his ears, will 

 quicken his pace and judging his distance to a 

 nicety, will sail over in his stride, with the least 

 possible effort. It is most necessary to keep the 

 same pressure on the bit, and to ride at the very 

 twig first chosen, for if there is any hesitation on 

 the part of the pilot the horse loses confidence, is 

 at a loss what to do, and disaster may be the 

 result. It is such vacillation that makes hunting 

 men, who have had no practice in going fast at 

 their fences, so dreaded by jockeys in a steeple- 

 chase, for they will change their minds two or 

 three times as to where they will jump, and the 

 consequent wavering of their horses interferes 

 with those on each side of, and behind them, and 

 is a source of danger to all in their vicinity. Bold 

 riding, with discretion, was formerly the safest 

 way of crossing a country ; for when a horse has 

 plenty of pace on, and is yet collected and well 



