" Schooling" 



was gratifying. I only broke my collar-bone 

 once when engaged on such work, but there 

 were several severe shakings. They caused a 

 soreness of cuticle, a haziness of mind, for the 

 moment. It is impossible to go through these 

 thrilling experiences without an occasional varia- 

 tion in the shape of a twisted rib and a pang or 

 two. 



I have not the slightest objection to the 

 " ditch " fence as at present constructed ; and 

 when horses are adequately " schooled," it should 

 have no terrors for them or for their jockey. 

 Danger arises when their education has been 

 undertaken perfunctorily, when they have not 

 been put through the mill with sufficient earnest- 

 ness at home, when their trainer trusts a little to 

 chance, and hopes that, in dramatic phrase, "it 

 will be all right at night." It is often all wrong 

 in the afternoon, so far as the unfortunate jockey 

 is concerned. He is not paid extra for concus- 

 sion of the brain unless his employer is a broad- 

 minded man. 



Some horses are, of course, natural jumpers, 

 and give little or no trouble. They take to the 

 game kindly, as the saying is, their heart is in 

 the work ; and, even if they do not enjoy it; or 

 are glad when it is over (the usual thing with 



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