RIDING TO HOUNDS 1 65 



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 j- g e j- awav 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 



