264 HORSEMANSHIP. 



ing-field than any other person of the present age, 

 and who was for many years at the head of the 

 Quorndon (Leicestershire) Hunt, never rides fast at 

 any fences, brooks excepted, and then only under 

 circumstances which will be explained when we 

 treat on that part of our subject. When riding at 

 timber, however, take a firm hold of your horse's 

 head, chiefly by the aid of the bridoon, if his mouth 

 is good enough for it ; and let him understand, by 

 assuming an air of resolution on your part, that 

 you not only mean him to leap it, and that you 

 will not suffer him to turn his tail to it, but that 

 it is something at which his best energies will be 

 required of him. But, above all things, do not 

 interfere with his stroke or stride, unless absolutely 

 called upon by some peculiarity of the ground, such 

 as a grip on the headland, or a small ditch on the 

 rising side. A horse making up his mind to leap 

 a timber fence, will of his own accord regulate that 

 matter, and gradually gather himself together on his 

 haunches, previous to being required to take his 

 spring. He will also, if you let him, often make 

 choice of his pace at which he goes up to a gate, «Sz;c. 

 It is true, the deer can clear a greater height in its 

 trot than in any other pace ; but a horse prefers the 

 very slow gallop, or canter, when thus called upon 

 to exert himself ; for if he do trot to any upright 

 fence, we generally see him break into a canter in 

 the last few yards. As the fulcrum for the spring 

 comes from behind, the canter is the most natural 

 pace, the haunches being at this time more under 

 the body. 



