RACING 195 



don't get flurried ; don't let your horse's head 

 loose ; and then, greatly to your astonishment, 

 you may not Improbably win, If the horse Is 

 ofood enouo'h. Don't be too much elated at 

 the applause of your backers If you win, nor 

 depressed at the abuse of your friends if you 

 do not ; probably none of them know too much 

 about It. 



Now for a few positive counsels. I have 

 said that In a steeplechase you must carry 

 both whip and spurs, but you should use them 

 as little as you can. Nevertheless there are 

 times when both are necessary ; some well- 

 bred horses are lazy and require rousing at 

 their fences. Do not, however, hit your horse 

 just as he takes off, but give him one smart 

 cut just behind the girths about three lengths 

 before the fence. If he requires spurs, a sharp 

 dig also behind the girths will be serviceable. 

 A horse galloping at three-quarter speed over 

 a fence wants all his wits about him, and should 

 never be frightened or flurried. If your horse 

 refuses to the near side and you notice any 

 signs of faltering, bring your whip up and hit 

 him sharply over your left shoulder. I have 

 known horses taken by surprise and forget to 

 refuse. Try to keep your horse straight at 

 his fence, and make up your mind what place 

 you want to jump at. If you are riding over 



