The Barb and the Bridle: A Handbook of Equitation for Ladies, and Manual of Instruction in the Science of Riding, from the Preparatory Suppling ExercisesHenderson, Robert, active 1866-1874
Science
The Barb and the Bridle: A Handbook of Equitation for Ladies, and Manual of Instruction in the Science of Riding, from the Preparatory Suppling Exercises
Henderson, Robert, active 1866-1874
Horsemanship
A check of a few minutes, affording a good horse time, has enabled many
a one to stay to the end of the longest run, when an equally good animal
has been "pumped" in the same thing for want of such a respite from his
exertions.
Again, a great point to be observed is to maintain such a position as
will enable the rider to turn with the hounds at the right moment;
resolutely resisting any temptation in order to cut off ground, to turn
too soon, and risk spoiling sport by crossing their line.
It should be remembered that it is quite as easy to jump the fences when
one is in the front rank, as it is when sculling along with the rear
guard, and much safer, because the ground always affords better foothold
and landing, when it has not been poached up by a number of people
jumping. This is especially the case after a frost, when the going is at
all greasy.
Even in cases when hounds slip an entire field, and get the fun all to
themselves, still those who get away well at first will have all the
best of the "stern chase."
If, fortunately, our fair tyro is well up when a fox is run into and
killed, she should carefully avoid getting too close to the hounds when
they are at their broken-up prey. There are always keen eyes about that
can discern on these occasions whether a lady has been riding straight
and well, and there will not be wanting some gallant cavalier to offer
her the tribute due to her "dash" and good workmanship, in the shape of
that coveted trophy of the chase, the brush. There may, however, be more
than one lady up on these occasions (I have seen several after very good
things), and, as a rule, the brush is most likely to be offered to the
lady of the highest rank. These trophies, therefore, are scarcely to be
counted upon as a reward for even the best and straightest riding--the
less so as of late years it has been observed that in most cases a very
stout and straight-necked fox succeeds in eluding his pursuers, and
"lives to fight another day."
In beginning regular hunting, one good run in a day for a lady should
suffice for some little time. In November the days are very short, and
often enough a fox started after three o'clock will be running strong
when darkness comes on. For a lady, and a beginner especially, it is
best to leave off and trot quietly home while there is yet daylight.
As regards "get up" or equipment, I must add to my former suggestions
that a lady for the hunting field should be provided always with a
waterproof overcoat, which should be rolled up in as small a compass as
possible, and is better carried by her pilot or her second horseman (if
she has one out) than attached by straps to the off-side flap of her own
saddle; as, in addition to spoiling the symmetry of the saddle on that
side, I have seen instances of things so attached hanging up in ragged
fences, no matter how carefully they may have been put on.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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