122 LADIES ON HOKSEBACK. 



as he recovers his footing at the bottom of the 

 water. 



A horse who shirks his fences is a terrible 

 infliction to have to ride. Of course the first 

 refusal condemns you to lose your place, for 

 it is the etiquette of the hunting-field that if 

 your horse refuses you must at once draw 

 aside and let the whole field go by before you 

 again essay it. But, provoked though you 

 may be, do not allow yourself to be van- 

 quished. If you do not now gain the victory 

 your horse will always be your conqueror. 

 Bring him again to the leap, keeping his 

 head straight and your hands low and firm. 

 If he refuses a second time, bring him round 

 again and again, always turning him from 

 right to left — that is, with the pressure upon 

 you right rein — and not suffering him to have 

 his own way. Kemember that if you suffer 

 him to conquer you or bring him to any 

 other part of the fence than that which he is 

 refusing, you wiU thoroughly spoil him. Do 

 not, however, treat him with harshness. 

 Coax him and speak gently to him. It may 

 be nervousness, not temper ; and if so, you 



