CHAPTER XIV

“RIDING TO HOUNDS”

By Lieut.-Col. Geoffry Brooke, D.S.O., M.C.

A PREVIOUS chapter discussed the manners and customs in the hunting field, and although conditions may alter in these respects, the art of riding to hounds is much the same as it was in the days of our grandfathers.

The inimitable Surtees, supreme amongst sporting writers to this day, was an adept at expressing much sound advice on hunting lore through the utterances of the various characters in his books.

Mr. Jorrocks, M.F.H., is responsible for the following remarks on riding to hounds, remarks which hold good to-day. He observes: “To ’unt pleasantly, two things are necessary—to know your ’oss and to know your own mind.”

Though a few exceptional artists will see a good hunt on a young horse, there is no doubt that these two essentials are indispensable to the average horseman.

Elsewhere the same sporting character remarks with regard to this subject and the panorama of the chase, “all my beauties going like beans—’eads up and sterns down, and a lot o’ trumps riding as they should—near enough to ’ear their sweet music, but not too near to prevent them swingin’ and spreadin’ like a rocket to make their own cast.”

It would be difficult to give better advice in general terms to the novice. But there are certain preliminary items to be attended to before we reach that happy state—riding with a lot o’ trumps as we should, the joyous melody of hounds in our ears, and the rush of chill air against our faces.

No matter whether your stud be large or limited to one ewe lamb, it is always advisable to look ahead with regard to your hunting arrangements. You must consider what meets you wish to go to and what horses you intend to ride. Inevitably there will be certain horses that you are anxious to keep for near meets or possibly to ride first horse; one may be better in the hilly part of the country, the other over the vale. Thus, if you discuss the pros and cons with your groom well ahead of the actual fixtures, you can work out your programme of the week’s sport in the most convenient way to meet the requirements of your stable. By this means you will ensure that your animals are fed correctly, not mashed the night before hunting, and such items as attention to shoeing, etc., will not be overlooked.

Whether you ride to the meet yourself or send your horses on, always start in good time. Your hunters should never be hurried on the way to the meet: an average six miles an hour should not be exceeded (needless to say this does not apply to the motor horse-van).

The practice of riding to what you believe will be the first draw, instead of hacking on to the advertised fixture, will certainly not meet with the approval of the Master. If this practice became general, foxes would be disturbed before the arrival of hounds and the covert would be drawn blank. Even if this should not prove to be the case, the presence of red coats in the vicinity of a covert invariably draws sundry foot people from all directions, and the chances of the fox being headed when he breaks covert are considerably increased. Incidentally hounds may find an outlying fox while you are waiting at the covert side and you will deservedly be out of the hunt.

Undoubtedly the major proportion of hunting folk go to the meet in motors nowadays, which necessitates their horses going on in charge of a second horseman. But one must remember that there is a considerable risk in sending on a young horse along slippery tarmac roads, even though he is led by a groom on a steady animal. The led horse will frequently be trotting on the crown of the road, and if there is trouble he is liable to slip up and damage himself.

Whenever you can reach the meet across the fields through bridle gates, it is much better to hack on; incidentally it gives you an opportunity of getting on terms with your horse if by chance you do not already know him.

Times have changed, however, and the motor has become the covert hack of to-day. The picture of the past is no longer seen, when

The Draw.

When hounds move off to draw, be ready yourself, and do not be left at the tail of a long column or you may find yourself badly placed later on. There always are some people who are still fiddling with their saddlery or refreshing the inner man long after hounds have left the meet. Don’t be one of these; any adjustment to curb chains or tightening of girths should have been done long ere this.

If hounds are going to draw a large wood, the field will probably be concentrated inside, when it will be as well to keep within earshot of hounds or they may slip you.

On the other hand, if it should be a small covert, the field will be restricted to one or possibly two sides to enable the fox to break. Remember that the followers of the Hunt are under the orders of the Master and his word is law.

If you have not remained “coffee housing” at the meet, you will find yourself handy to get a fair start, and there will be no necessity for unceremoniously cramming through other people’s horses to get near the gateway where the Master may be holding up the field.

Stand clear of kicking horses, and if your own is inclined to strike out, it is up to you to keep his heels away from other animals. A red ribbon does not, as so many people appear to think, allow you to take liberties and stand in the middle of a crowded gateway. It is too late to say “I’m sorry” when you have broken a man’s leg. If you are standing in a ride make room for the huntsman, or maybe hold open a gate should he wish to pass through. Keep quiet, listen and watch hounds while they draw.

Hounds.

More often than not, when a fox is holloaed away, the Master’s efforts will be directed to prevent a wild stampede—some of the field are apt to labour under the impression that they have to hunt the fox themselves, whereas the first consideration is to allow all hounds to get out of covert and settle down to the line without being pressed by galloping horses. Over-riding hounds at this juncture and at all times is a crime, and when they have to pass you on a road always turn your horse’s head in towards them to obviate the risk of kicking one.

Remember that we depend upon the hounds to give us our sport. The modern child understands the necessity of tuning a wireless to the correct wave-length. It is somewhat a similar problem with hounds, but in their case it is the question of “nose” the receiver and “scent” the wave-length. If hounds are not allowed to settle to a line through being over-ridden, the chances of a hunt on a moderate scenting day are exceedingly small. It is nothing more nor less than over-riding hounds, when a mass of eager but ignorant horsemen gallop after possibly only two couple of hounds that are out of cover and away on a fox. The body of the pack will have to thread their perilous way through galloping horses in their efforts to join the leaders. Such action is harmful to hounds and inevitably spoils sport. A good sportsman will never cut off the tail hounds who have possibly been working through the thickest part of the covert and are now eagerly straining to get to the head. Once they have settled and all the pack are on, then you can think about riding to hounds.

Unfortunately the presence of wire has made this more difficult than it was in days of yore, and if you are a stranger, you are well advised to enquire and fix the identity of one or two good men who know the country, and you can keep your eye on them when in doubt. Later, if you see one of these deliberately turning away from a fence, it is as well to take the hint, or you may find yourself in trouble. Don’t ride in your pilot’s pocket, and whenever you see the fence ahead is all clear, select your own place and jump it.

The picture here described by Harry Bentley is the extreme, but few countries are free from this curse of peace and war, consequently, unless you know the country yourself, it is as well to have, not only one eye on hounds, but one on the man who knows where these hidden dangers lie.

Position.

When hounds have settled to the line, let us remember Mr. Jorrocks’s observations about the “trumps.” We are best placed about a hundred to two hundred yards on the flank of, and level with, the tail hounds. In a cramped country with small enclosures that will not admit of a large number of followers, we may approach the hundred yards limit, but over large open pastures, where hounds can be easily seen, we should be nearer to the two hundred yards mark. Although this will not always be possible, we should, for preference, be on the down-wind side of the pack. Should hounds now turn towards us we can instantly see them and turn or check our horses as required. On the other hand, if they swing away, we can catch their note up-wind of us. Also from this position we are able to watch, not only the leading hounds, but also those reliable veterans in the body of the pack, who so often put their younger and more speedy companions right when in difficulties.

A Check.

Whenever hounds check we must instantly take a pull and stand still, and if our horses are blowing, turn their heads to the wind. This will leave hounds free to cast themselves.

On no account follow the huntsman when he makes his cast—horses, like other animals scattered over the fields, will foil the line and clouds of steam from our sweating steeds will further embarrass hounds.

Fences.

We will find that fences vary in different types of country, but one rule holds good at all times: whenever possible select a sound take-off. A really formidable fence may be safely negotiated off good going, whereas the same obstacle, when encountered with a slippery or holding take-off, would be, at best, a grievance to the many, a glory to the few.

You may gallop on at a low fence with a ditch beyond. On the other hand should there be an undefined ditch on the near side, or the take-off sloping down towards the fence, take a pull, not at the last moment, but from ten to twenty lengths in front of the obstacle. Having pulled your horse together, push him on the last few strides if you wish him to extend himself. Over trappy blind places it will frequently be necessary to jump from a trot or even a walk. Over walls, stiff timber or gates never let your horse jump out of hand. By this, it is meant, that a horse should jump collectedly from a canter, and not from an extended gallop. At the former pace he will still clear a high solid fence, even if he takes off too near, whereas if fully extended and taking off from the same spot, he would, in all probability, strike the obstacle with his fore legs. But one must remember never to check a horse too late, i.e. on top of the fence, as he requires freedom of his head to jump boldly.

This last mentioned rule really amounts to this definite piece of advice to the novice. When riding a horse that knows his job, you will avoid falls by leaving your mount alone as much as possible. He will know best how to negotiate his fences, and provided that his rider does not blatantly violate any of the above principles, the partnership will be a happy one.

Over a drop fence, although the rider should be leaning forward as his horse takes off, when in mid-air his body should not exceed the perpendicular to his horse’s back, so that he is in a position to lean backwards if necessary on landing. An experienced rider will know if his horse is likely to pitch on landing, when the correct adjustment of his own balance by leaning back will save a fall. Generally speaking it is recommended that a beginner should lean back over a drop. On the other hand, at times it may be advisable to keep one’s weight forward on landing if there appears to be a likelihood of one’s horse jumping short and dropping its hind legs in a ditch on the far side.

Be careful never to “cut in” in front of another rider. Always ride straight at your own place in a fence and wait your turn at a gap. In a banking country, it pays to ride slowly at your fences, giving your horse ample rein so that he can change his legs on the bank. An unsteady seat and heavy hands may pull a horse back into the ditch alongside. Undoubtedly some horses can negotiate this type of fence at speed, but generally speaking falls are avoided by riding at them at a canter or even at a slower pace.

Brooks.

A brook will often spell disaster to many of the field. Some, perforce, must turn away to seek a ford or bridge, others triumphantly sail over, while the brook takes its toll of the less fortunate. If we know our horses and our own minds, the chances of an unpleasant ducking are largely eliminated. Generally speaking, if hounds attempt to jump the water, it is safe to assume that it is within the measure of your horse, provided he is a bold one. If both horse and rider mean jumping the only danger is due to an unsound take-off, possibly owing to overhanging banks. When in doubt, try to select a spot where a bush is growing on the water’s edge as the ground will be firmer there. Here again you should pull your horse together about twenty lengths from the brook that he may more easily judge his distance, then holding him straight, send him on at increased speed for the last few strides and thus ensure sufficient impetus to land on the far side.

After that we can give him a pat on the shoulder and joyfully exclaim: “Well done, old boy!”

Dykes with steep sides and deep drains are not uncommon obstacles in certain hunts. When encountered, one must crawl down one side, jump over the bottom, and climb up the far side. Provided a horse has his head free, and his rider goes with him as he jumps, they will clear an astounding width even from a stand.

Lanes.

In the course of a hunt we may have to jump in and out of a lane. When doing so, it is most important to select your place, if possible, from the point of view of a convenient exit in addition to considering the first obstacle. Having done so, hold your horse straight at each fence, pressing him well up to his bridle with both legs to prevent him swerving to either side in the lane. Do not, however, jump out of a lane into a field unless you are sure that hounds have got the line, and remember that it is inexcusable to land over a fence into hounds who may be either feathering along the ditch or have turned and started to run parallel with it.

On the other hand, when jumping into a road along which other horses are passing, say to the right, the fence should be taken at a slightly right-handed angle. This will not only minimise the risk of landing on the road, but will also prevent your mount slipping up as he turns in the same direction as the other horses are going. Needless to say, one must jump from a slow pace to avoid landing too far out. It is sheer folly to jump on to a road unless grass sidings exist—to land on the tarmac is merely to court disaster.

Gates.

In a previous chapter, the problem of opening and shutting gates was fully dealt with, but when hounds are running in order to avoid delay, one should take early note on which side a gate is latched and have your whip ready in the correct hand. It is quite possible to jump into a field and find that it is impossible to jump out. Under these circumstances a rapid and intelligent survey may be the means of avoiding both the delay and effort of covering unnecessary ground in search of an exit. The presence of a cart track, a hovel, a haystack, or the position of farm buildings will generally give some indication of the whereabouts of a gate.

Always be ready to jump off your horse to open a gate for the huntsman or the Master—a young man should never allow a senior to do this for him. Whenever someone has dismounted for this purpose, always wait for him to remount before you gallop on.

Generally speaking a horse will jump better over a fence that looks strong, than he will over a straggly transparent-looking place of the same dimensions. In the same way he very soon learns to show an intelligent respect for the strong horizontal binders of a cut and laid fence. We must equally employ our intelligence, and if we see a cattle-grazed enclosure bounded by a weak thin fence we can reasonably assume that, if there is no wire, there certainly will be a really big drain or ditch that keeps the stock in the field.

A horse can safely gallop straight down a steep hill or slide down an embankment with his weight supported on his hind legs, but in both cases if taken on the slant his legs are liable to slip from under him and he will fall over on his side.

Save Your Horse.

We must not forget that a really hard hunt will tax a horse’s stamina to the full, consequently we must make every effort to conserve the last ounce of his energy. With this end in view we should avoid jumping unnecessary fences and endeavour to ride the shortest way without interfering with hounds. Frequently one can save one’s horse over deep ridge and furrow by riding the headland alongside the fence, and it is better to ride down the water-logged drainage furrow of plough than across it. Stand up in your stirrups and sit as still as possible when you are galloping, and always hold your horse well together over sticky going or you will get to the bottom of him when the hounds are still running on. Don’t hesitate to get off your horse’s back and ease him for a few minutes if an opportunity occurs during a long hunt.

Falls.

Though an experienced hunter seldom falls, provided he is ridden with judgment, a young horse cannot avoid making occasional mistakes during his probationary period. When you are unlucky enough to get a fall, always endeavour to retain the reins, for the pursuit of a riderless horse across country is an unenviable occupation. Catch a loose horse when he passes you, and if you can neither see the owner nor someone willing to take him from you, hitch the reins on to a gate where in due course he can be reclaimed.

The Kill.

When a fox is killed, be careful to keep your horse away from hounds, and at the same time be ready to hold any of the Hunt servants’ horses.

Every Christmas holidays we see many youngsters out on their ponies, no doubt each little Nimrod, boy or girl, harbours one ambition, namely, to be a good “man to hounds.”

The joy of safely negotiating a formidable-looking fence and finding oneself in the first flight with hounds, even though it may only be once in a season, marks that day a red-letter day. To be in at the death and awarded some portion of the fox’s anatomy is a thing to talk of for months and to dream of at nights.

In later days it is still a laudable ambition in any sportsman to be a good man to hounds: unhesitating yet unflurried, riding on the down wind side on the flank of hounds, with one eye on the pack and the other on the fence or possible two fences ahead, selecting the place he intends to jump. Throughout the hunt he takes his own line, ever watchful of hounds, ready to turn with them, or instantly to stop his horse the moment he sees signs of a check. He never interferes, but is always ready to help the huntsman and when necessary he is the first to jump off his horse and open a gate for the latter. He is ever considerate of the farmers’ interests, never riding over sown land or jumping an unnecessary fence when hounds are not running. A quick eye, quick decision, and good horsemanship are essential qualities; though far from being a jealous horseman, he delights in sharing the pleasure of a hunt with his friends.

His horse is his partner—one apparently inspires the other—and he is ever ready to save his mount over heavy going and to husband his strength to the end of a long hunt.

It’s a fine ambition to be a good man to hounds, and when achieved in the proper spirit it brings forth all the best qualities of a sportsman and a gentleman.