STEEPLE CHASE RIDING. 135 



ing the crest of the hill, in order to allow him to catch 

 his wind for the final struggle, and to settle down in his 

 stride on the level ground. 



As a last piece of advice, I would advise the tyro 

 never to be too anxious to "get home," and never to 

 " draw it too fine." 



Steeple-chase Riding. A friend of mine, who has 

 been, for many years, one of the best cross-country 

 riders we have ever had in India, has kindly placed, 

 at my disposal, the following hints on this subject : 



Before riding a chase, the jockey should walk a 

 couple of times round the course, if it be strange to him, 

 in order to select the best spots at which to take the 

 fences, and to observe the nature of the ground, so 

 that he may know when to go fast, where the " going " 

 is good, or to take a pull at his horse, where it is heavy. 

 He would also see where it might be advisable to 

 make a slight detour from the straight line. 



The rider should endeavour, if possible, to get away 

 in front for the first couple of fences, for if he does 

 so, he will then, generally, be able, more or less, to 

 take his time, as tailing, usually, commences early. 

 After that, three quarter speed will, as a rule, enable 

 him to keep close up with the leaders. 



Above all things, the rider should make up his mind 

 to go straight, and should never allow his horse the 

 chance of even trying to refuse, for the latter will 

 always be the first to find out whether or no the for- 

 mer funks. 



The jockey should stand in his stirrups, between the 

 fences, but should sit down when he approaches them, 



