JOCKEYS AND JOCKEYSHIP iii 



me why I did anything particular that you no- 

 ticed in a certain race I would try to tell you, 

 but it is a large subject, so many different things 

 happen, and it is hard to pick subjects to dis- 

 cuss. Got on capitally so far ? I'm very glad 

 you think so, but at present I am reminded of 

 being in that boggy bit of ground I told you of. 

 The American seat ? I dare say we used to 

 ride too long, and there are advantages in short 

 stirrups ; but I do not believe in the neck busi- 

 ness, and if you have noticed I think you will 

 have seen that the jockeys who used to be most 

 American have gradually got more upright again. 

 A great deal depends on the horse. Some horses 

 jump off and go straight with their jockey's 

 hands a few inches from the bit, but you cannot 

 urge your horse sitting like that, or perching 

 like that, and the majority of horses want riding. 

 Those that you have to catch hold of and drive 

 can't be properly ridden if you are on their necks. 

 Coming straight through is no doubt the sim- 

 plest and easiest way of riding a race, though 

 you must have an idea of pace or your horse 

 is tolerably sure to be all abroad just when you 

 want him to be balanced and collected. Com- 

 ing through, you may say, depends on the 

 animal, the weight, and the course. You can't 



