RIDING TO HOUNDS 165 



a little time and practice will add com- 

 posure, judgment, and discretion, and 

 the experience necessary to cross a stiff 

 country without mishap. She may then 

 discard the services of a pilot and ride 

 her own line. 



When hounds are thrown in, she must 

 watch them, and, although not inter- 

 Getting fering with their work, be ready 

 Away f. o g e awa y on good terms with 

 them when they begin to run. 



Indecision at the first two jumps may 

 cost one dearly, for during that moment 

 of hesitation hounds slip away, horses 

 crowd one another and begin to refuse, 

 while the few who make the most of 

 their opportunities ride on ahead with 

 the hounds. Much hard galloping may 

 retrieve the lost ground, but a stern 

 chase is always disheartening to horse 

 and rider. By getting away in front, 

 both are encouraged, and start with mut- 



12 



