i9C> RIDING, DRIVING AND KINDRED SPORTS 



a made-up course, Inasmuch as the whole fence 

 is practicable do not look for weak places, but 

 choose the spot where the take-off Is soundest ; 

 a few Inches makes no difference, and It Is 

 at weak, thin places that scrimmages occur 

 and accidents happen. Sit right back as far 

 as you can over all your fences, especially at 

 water. Many blood horses give a tremendous 

 hoist with their quarters, which will often pitch 

 the unwary on to his ears. This will not 

 Improve' your chance or that of your horse. 

 I once said to a nimble and athletic young 

 horse-soldier who was riding a horse of mine, 

 " Mind, he jumps very big at water." The 

 water was Indeed for me the turning point of 

 the race, and there I took up my stand. The 

 little bay pricked his ears as he came near, 

 and w^ent at It as bold as brass, but the 

 rider was fairly jumped off on to the horse's 

 ears. For a moment he sat there, then swung 

 round underneath on the near side. To my 

 astonishment the rider, who was a clever 

 gymnast, scrambled back again Into the saddle, 

 coming up on the off-side ; but, alas ! when he 

 reached the saddle the four reins were all on 

 one side ! 



If your horse shows any signs of distress, 

 changes his legs, and If he rolls In his stride, 

 take a steady pull at all costs. He may come 



