RIDING TO HOUNDS 9 



learns to rely on it, you will undoubtedly 

 make mistakes at times in giving it. In 

 general, the higher the jump, the slower 

 the approach should be to within a few 

 strides of it. From that point the horse 

 should be allowed to gather momentum. 

 A hand canter is the safest speed at which 

 to approach. 



Never select a panel that is leaning p . , 

 towards you, because if your horse strikes Rail 

 it it will rise and stiffen as he passes 

 over, whereas if the panel is perpen- 

 dicular, or leaning from you, any knock 

 will tend to lower and weaken it. Avoid, 

 if possible, a panel close to trees on the 

 further side, for should your horse carry 

 off the top bar, it may catch against the 

 trees and trip him after he has passed the 

 fence. One of the worst falls I ever saw 

 happened in this way to an experienced 

 rider. A panel with a fairly heavy and 

 straight top bar is to be preferred. Your 

 mount can see it better than a thin one 

 and is less inclined to take a chance at 

 breaking it. A rail that curves up- 



