142 HINTS ON HORSEMANSHIP 



degree when out hunting. When riding a tired 

 horse home, for example, it is a great reUef to 

 him if this is done. But it can only be done if 

 the horse has been accustomed to be so ridden. 

 If not, it sometimes happens that his action is 

 entirely different on the other diagonal, is both 

 ungainly and uncomfortable, and very tiring to the 

 rider. It sometimes also happens that he refuses 

 to be ridden in that way, and will quickly place 

 the rider back on to the old diagonal, by putting 

 in a short stride. Much quiet amusement can be 

 had when out hacking, in seeing the artifices horses 

 will adopt to put the rider back on to the diagonal 

 they prefer. The short stride is the most common, 

 and is usually adopted to begin with. If they find 

 that doesn't work, then they will try a little shy, 

 or perhaps " break." These last two schemes are 

 always successful, because by the time he has been 

 collected again the rider is always back on the old 

 diagonal. It does not take a second, however, to 

 get back again. All that is necessary is to stand 

 in the stirrups for what is actually one stride, but 

 which feels like a half -stride. A good rule is to 

 stand in one's stirrups, count " one," and sit down 

 again. That will always put the rise and fall on 

 to the opposite diagonal. 



In long-distance riding, which, as far as I know, 

 has never been attempted in England, it is usual 

 for the riders to ride five kilometres on the one 

 diagonal, and then five kilometres on the other. 

 The only approach to a long ride in England, that 

 I am aware of, took place in 1914. It was only 



