150 HINTS ON HORSEMANSHIP 



bounded it were slightly lower than in the double 

 gates, but further apart, and of course both had 

 to be jumped in one leap. The measurements 

 were : rails 4 feet, and 6 feet away from each other. 



These were not quite so difficult to clear as the 

 double gates, because they could be ridden at 

 faster. But still it was a good test of a horse's 

 boldness and jumping capacity. 



Every one of these are good, soimd, practical tests 

 for both horse and rider, and it seems to me that 

 any horse that can get round a course like this 

 without a fault, is fit to be considered a valuable 

 hunter. In addition to this, it was an easy course 

 for marking purposes. So if it is right ab hosti 

 docere, how much more must it be advantageous to 

 learn from our friends. 



Before concluding this chapter I want to say 

 that I have often heard it said that, even if con- 

 tinental riders do ride better than us in the show- 

 ring, we can always show them the way across a 

 natural country. I do not deny this. But the 

 reason is, not because they have perfected their 

 riding in a riding school and have devoted their 

 energies to training themselves and their horses 

 over artificial obstacles, but because they have had 

 no experience in riding to hounds. It is hardly to 

 be expected that any man, however well he rides, 

 will be able to pick up all the intricacies of the 

 hunting field in a moment, or be able to compete 

 on equal terms with men who have hunted all their 

 lives and who know every fence in the countryside. 



It is natural that they should be nervous of 



