8 RIDING TO HOUNDS 



tive to wind, which irritates their nerves, 

 stiffens their muscles and makes their eyes 

 water, sometimes to the extent of inter- 

 fering with their sight. 



As you approach your fence, rein in suf- 

 Jump ficiently for your mount to get his hind- 



quarters well under him, so as to obtain 

 the necessary purchase for the jump, but 

 as soon as he "takes off" leave his mouth 

 entirely alone and do not tighten up your 

 reins until he has recovered his stride after 

 landing. Many books on riding advise 

 you to lean far back on approaching a 

 jump, but my experience is that it is better 

 to lean slightly forward and "throw your 

 heart over" ahead of you, because a horse 

 is quick to sense any indecision in the rider, 

 and may mistake your leaning back for 

 flinching. Avoid the practice of many 

 riders who give their horse a signal by 

 sound of whip, in jumping. A good 

 hunter can tell when it is best for him to 

 "take off" much better than you can. If 

 he knows his business, your signal will 

 merely distract his attention; while if he 



