4 RIDING TO HOUNDS 



worse form than to arrive flustered and 

 out of breath with your horse in a lather. 

 Pay your respects to the master and keep 

 your horse as quiet as possible until the 

 start. If the weather is cold, or he is very 

 excitable, walk him about slowly at a dis- 

 tance from other horses. Many good 

 hunters are nervous and difficult to handle 

 at this stage, but quiet down as soon as 

 they get imder way, unless in the mean- 

 while they have been allowed to get into 

 a fight. If your horse is inclined to kick, 

 the traditional danger sign is a bit of red 

 ribbon braided in his tail. Do not indulge 

 in loud talking or shouting, which has the 

 effect of exciting other riders' horses. 



On the way to cover ride as quietly as 

 you can; do not crowd others, or follow 

 too closely restless or kicking horses. Do 

 On the Way ''^^^ "show off" by taking unnecessary 

 to Cover jvmips or gallops. As you ride along, 

 notice the country through which you 

 pass; learn to estimate distances and to 

 locate landmarks, such as bridges, streams, 

 taverns, church steeples, etc. Pay partic- 



