Introduction 



horseman on the flat, and a great personal friend of George 

 the Fourth, for whom he frequently rode, was the ruling spirit, 

 must not be forgotten. 



Meanwhile Croxton Park still flourishes like a green bay- 

 tree, and the Southdown Club goes on its way rejoicing, if not 

 quite so strong as formerly. 



Given opportunity and encouragement, I believe gentlemen 

 riders would be quite as prolific as ever they were, and it was 

 the knowledge of the great interest taken in amateur horseman- 

 ship, not only in the past, but the present time, that was our 

 principal inducement for producing this book. 



Though, like everything else, cross-country riding has under- 

 gone considerable changes since it first came into fashion, just 

 over seventy years ago, it has never lost its popularity, either 

 with those taking an active part in it, or the general public ; 

 the element of danger, which is present perhaps to a greater 

 extent than in any other sport to be mentioned, being, as is 

 invariably the case, an irresistible attraction to both. One 

 thing is certain, which is that unless an aspirant to steeplechase 

 honours thoroughly makes up his mind beforehand to put his 

 whole heart and soul into his work, with his neck a secondary 

 consideration, he may just as well leave the game alone 

 altogether for all the satisfaction he is likely to get out of it. 



That the example of some of those who rode over the 

 severe country courses in the long ago has done much to 

 improve the breed of horses there can be no question, and for 

 their pluck and energy in showing us what a well-bred horse 

 with a good rider on his back can accomplish we owe them a 

 debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. 



It is no doubt difficult to treat contemporary characters and 

 events, and it may be doubted if the difficulty is diminished 

 when we commemorate the men who have preceded us. 



xvi 



