THOROUGH-BRED HORSES 



his bridle, is one of the pleasantest hunters a man 

 can ride, particularly in a flying country. He is 

 sure to be able to " make haste " in all sorts of 

 ground, while the smooth, easy stride that wins 

 between the flags is invaluable through dirt. He 

 does not lose his head and turn foolish, as do 

 many good useful hunters, when bustled along 

 for a mile or two at something like racing pace. 

 Very quick over his fences, his style of jumping 

 is no less conducive to safety than despatch, 

 while his courage is sure to be undeniable, because 

 the slightest tendency to refuse would have dis- 

 qualified him for success in his late profession, 

 wherein, also, he must necessarily have learnt to 

 be a free and brilliant water-jumper. 



Indeed, you may always take tzvo liberties with 

 a steeplechase horse during a run (not more). 

 The first time you squeeze him, he thinks, "Oh! 

 this is the brook ! " and putting on plenty of 

 steam, flings himself as far as ever he can. The 

 second, he accepts your warning with equal good- 

 will. "All right!" he seems to answer; "this 

 is the brook, coming home ! " But if you try the 

 same game a third time, I cannot undertake to 

 say what may happen ; you will probably puzzle 

 him exceedingly, upset his temper, and throw 

 him out of gear for the day. 



We have travelled a long way, however, from 

 our original subject, tuition of the thorough-bred 

 M 159 



