sketches and lines

…hurdle or two will be the scene of your first essay. When you have learned to sit still and not to show daylight over the saddle at such easy obstacles, attempt something bigger, and go sometimes a little faster at your fences, that by seeing how much ground you have cleared on the landing side, you may acquire confidence to ride at fences that involve width as well as height, brooks, etc., and may judge the pace at which to go at them. The greater your fence and the deeper your drop on landing, the more must you sit back. This precaution, and the tightest grip with your knees that you can muster for the instant, will not only maintain elegance and security in your seat, but will be a safeguard against your being shot unexpectedly over your horse’s ears should he suddenly refuse (still worse should he whip round into the bargain), especially when you are going fast at an obstacle.

If you do fail, remember a golden maxim, stick to your reins, unless your horse kicks you or you are stunned by the fall.

Throw your heart over a fence, and the horse will be pretty sure to follow…Extract from The Popular Recreator, Topic: Riding, section ii, page 68.