HINTS ON RIDING 117 



one's side and pointed rather backward and downward 

 instead of out and at right angles. 



The correct style, length, and shape of sticks and 

 crops come more strictly under the head of "appoint- 

 ments" and will therefore be discussed in the " Chap- 

 ter on Dress." 



The voice plays an important part in conveying our 

 meanings, and to the excited horse an occasional steady- 

 ing word or sharp reprimand will often have more 

 effect than more stringent methods, but, although we 

 may use all the endearing terms that we like to our 

 pets in their stable, we should never lessen the power 

 of our voice over animals by idly and constantly chat- 

 ting to them when out riding. Nor should we ever 

 chirp or cluck to them, which is a most disconcerting 

 habit to our neighbors when riding in company. 



It is only after long years of experience, or practice, 

 in the use of our hands, heels, spur, and whip that we 

 at last become really "finished." 



Some people are possessed of a figure that lends them 

 an air of grace and suppleness unattainable by those 

 less fortunate; others again are gifted with that won- 

 derful power which enables them to have a subtle 

 control over all animals, but in any case, whether or 

 not we are so endowed, it is a fact that we are far 

 from being a good horseman or horsewoman unless we 

 are always striving to be a better one. 



"Knowledge is proud that she has learnt so much; 

 Wisdom is humble that she knows no more." 



Dickens's words, "The first test of a truly great man 

 is his humility," might aptly be paraphrased to read: 

 "The first test of a truly great sportsman is his 

 humility." 



