COERCION 



now, if you are pretty close to the hounds, for 

 your horse is gathering confidence with every 

 stride. He can gallop, of course, and is good 

 through dirt ; it is also understood that he is fit 

 to go ; there are not many in a season, but let us 

 suppose you have dropped into a run ; if he 

 carries you well to the finish, he will be a hunter 

 from to-day. 



After some five-and-twenty minutes, you will 

 find him going with more dash and freedom, as 

 his neighbours begin to tire. You may now ride 

 him at timber without scruple, when not too high, 

 but avoid a rail that looks as if it would break. 

 To find out he may tamper with such an obstacle 

 is the most dangerous discovery a hunter can 

 make. You should send him at it pretty quick, 

 lest he get too near to rise, and refuse at the last 

 moment. He may not do it in the best of form, 

 but whether he chances it in his gallop, or bucks 

 over like a deer, or hoists himself sideways all in 

 a heap, with his tail against your hat, at this kind 

 of fence this kind of horse is most unlikely to 

 fall. 



The same may be said of a brook. If he is 

 within a fair distance of the hounds, and you see 

 by the expression of his ears and crest that he is 

 watching them with ardent interest, ride him 

 boldly at water should it be necessary. It is 

 quite possible he may jump it in his stride from 



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