14 RIDING TO HOUNDS 



back because by so doing you lose sight 

 of where you are going and you are liable 

 to be struck in the face when straightening 

 again in the saddle. Also, you can lean 

 much lower forward than backward and 

 can retain better control over your horse. 

 Do not think that you can easily ward off 

 dead branches. Do not catch branches in 

 your hand and let them spring back in the 

 face of the next rider. In passing through 

 narrow places move your legs well for- 

 ward of the saddle. 



If your horse gets in difficulty on land- 

 ing after his jump or at other times, do 

 not hurry him or try to "hold him up" by 

 pulling on the reins, as some recommend. 

 Not only is this as foolish as trying to lift 

 yourself by your own boot straps, but in- 

 asmuch as a horse never puts his forefeet 

 in front of his nose, by pulling in his head 

 you restrict the action of his front feet as 

 he endeavors to get out of trouble. On 

 the contrary, leave the reins entirely loose, 

 leaning well back in the saddle so as to 

 lighten his load in front. 



