136 HORSE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA. 



steadying his horse about twenty lengths away from 

 each jump, and then letting him freshen his pace go- 

 ing up to it. 



Unless the pace be very hot, the horse should not 

 be taken at height, faster than three quarter speed, 

 but at water, the pace should be somewhat better, 

 care being taken that the horse's hind legs are well 

 under him. 



The rider should avoid hitting the horse with the whip 

 when jumping, for the sight of it is apt to distract his 

 attention, making him, probably, blunder over the fence, 

 in the attempt to escape punishment. If a stimulus be 

 required, spurs should be used. He should encourage 

 him with his voice throughout the chase. 



The horse's head should never be let loose, while an 

 extra pull should be taken, when going through heavy 

 ground, so as to make him shorten his stride. 



It is quite as necessary for the rider to be in good 

 condition, as it is for the horse. 



Stirrup leathers, for riding across country, should be 

 a hole or two shorter, than for the flat. 



I may add that when riding a horse, which is apt to 

 refuse in a steeple-chase, the jockey would be wise to 

 manage, as often as he can, to keep on the side away 

 from which his horse usually refuses of any of the 

 others when nearing a fence, for having a horse on the 

 side to which he is inclined to swerve, will often keep 

 him straight. As a rule, horses refuse to one particular 

 side, that being the left in most cases, the cause being, 

 perhaps, an injudicious use of- the whip on some previ- 

 ous occasion. Besides this, horses are led, handled, and 



