ADVICE TO THE TYRO. 119 



a good rider much more safely to the end of a 

 run, even with loose reins, and without whip or 

 spur, than an inexperienced one using all three to 

 his annoyance and hindrance. 



He that would see the end as well as the 

 beginning of a good run must commence his 

 operations on horseback in a quiet, rational man- 

 ner, and conduct them throughout with discre- 

 tion ; bearing in mind that the reins are intended 

 chiefly as regulators to a horse's speed, or occa- 

 sional supporters in certain emergencies. For this 

 purpose then, our tyro, when going away with 

 the pack from the gorse, with a crowd of fellows in 

 advance on a line with the fox, will hold his reins 

 tightly in his left hand (which should be forward 

 over the pommel of the saddle), and lightly in re- 

 gard to the horse's mouth. It is no business of 

 yours how and where other men are riding. Take 

 a line of your own, and, if possible, keep it. Don't 

 be looking about, right and left, for the easiest place, 

 or a gap in the hedge, by which time is lost, 

 and you may be knocked over by crossing some 

 other man's track, which would be only what 

 you deserved. Before approaching the fence, you 

 will perhaps have to regulate your horse's speed 

 by a gentle pull at the bit, as a hint to take it 

 easy ; although, if an experienced hunter, he will 



