RIDING RECOLLECTIONS 



without a refusal or a fall. The cutting-whip has 

 been applied, and the result, perhaps, was dis- 

 appointing, for it is an uncertain remedy, though, 

 in my opinion, preferable to the spur. Your 

 horse has shown great leaping powers in the 

 distances he has covered without the momentum 

 of speed, and has doubled an on-and-off with a 

 precision not excelled by your leader himself. If 

 he would but jump in his stride, you feel you have 

 a hunter under you. Should the country be 

 favourable, now is the time to teach him this 

 accomplishment, while his limbs are supple and 

 his spirit roused. If he seems willing to face 

 them, let him take his fences in his own way ; do 

 not force or hurry him, but keep fast hold of his 

 head without varying the pressure of hand or 

 limb by a hairsbreadth ; the least uncertainty of 

 finger or inequality of seat will spoil it all. Should 

 the ditch be towards him, he will jump from a 

 stand, or nearly so, but, to your surprise, will 

 land safe in the next field. If it is on the far side, 

 he will show more confidence, and will perhaps 

 swing over the whole with something of an effort 

 in his canter. A foot or two of extra width may 

 cause him to drop a hind leg, or even bring him 

 on his nose ; so much the better ! no admonition 

 of yours would have proved as effectual a warn- 

 ing ; he will take good care to cover distance 

 enough next time. Dispense with your leader 



28 



