Steeplechase Riding 207 



So quickly and unexpectedly may tlie 

 whole aspect of the race be changed, that 

 *' instructions " to a competent rider have 

 often proved themselves a very doubtful 

 blessing. "It is more blessed to give than 

 to receive," and this is especially true of 

 instructions. A few instances will best 

 illustrate what I mean. 



" You are not to go in front on any 

 account whatever." In this race a very 

 crafty gentleman made running, or, to speak 

 more correctly, he " waited in front," that is, 

 that wanting to stop the pace, he just kept 

 going, his horse travelling well within him- 

 self, all the time, whilst the rate of progres- 

 sion did not suit the jockey told to wait at 

 all. The latter very well knew that unless 

 he could go up and increase the pace he 

 would assuredly be beaten. Hampered with 

 " instructions," however, he dared not set 

 them at defiance, and thus the race was 

 thrown away. 



" Lay right off — never mind what you 

 think about it. I don't want to see you 



