Riding a Steeplechase. 



575 



I. The better the condition of your horse the more severe you should make the pace. 



' 2. If you doubt your horse's gameness, jump off with the lead and keep it as long as 



you can. 

 3. If a horse pulls very hard, keep a steady pull, but do not haul at his mouth, which 

 will prevent regularity of respiration, throw him out of his stride, and upset his 

 temper. 



' 4. When about seven-eighths of the distance, unless a very expert hand at timing your 

 horse's powers, do not attempt to draw it too fine, but getting on good terms with 

 the leading horses in the race, and laying hold of your horse's head, try and leave 

 them, riding calmly but resolutely ; above all sit quite steady ; if your horse is strain- 

 ing every nerve, let him alone ; if running sluggishly when getting into the straight 

 run home, after the last fence, take tight hold of the reins in your left hand, give 

 him a smart stroke with the whip, and two or three kicks with the spurs. But if 

 you have reason to fear that he will swerve (as many bad-hearted ones do), con- 

 tinue to hold him between your hands, and give him some sharp kicks with the 

 spurs. 



' 5. If you find you are beaten easily, pull up ; spare your horse, and avoid the cruel 

 and unsportsmanlike practice of flogging a beaten horse all the way home." 



