RIDING RECOLLECTIONS 



first fence, let us do it without a fall, if we 

 can. 



When a hunter's quarters are under him in 

 taking off, he has them ready to help him over 

 any unforeseen difficulty that may confront him 

 on the other side. Should there be a bank from 

 which he can get a purchase for a second effort, 

 he will poise himself on it lightly as a bird, or 

 perhaps, dropping his hind legs only, shoot him- 

 self well into the next field, with that delightful 

 elasticity which, met by a corresponding action 

 of his rider's loins, imparts to the horseman such 

 sensations of confidence and dexterity as are felt 

 by some buoyant swimmer, wafted home on the 

 roll of an incoming wave. Strong hocks and 

 thighs, a mutual predilection for the chase, a bold 

 heart between the saddle-fiaps, another under the 

 waistcoat, and a pair of light hands, form a com- 

 bination that few fences after Christmas are strong 

 enough or blind enough to put down. 



And now please not to forget that soundest of 

 maxims, applicable to all affairs alike by land or 

 sea — "While she lies her course, let the ship 

 steer herself" If your horse is going to his own 

 satisfaction, do not be too particular that he 

 should go entirely to yours. So long as you can 

 steady him, never mind that he carries his head 

 a little up or a little down. If he shakes it you 

 know you have got him, and can pull him off in 



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