THE RIDING PROBLEM.

Otago Witness, Issue 2430, 10 October 1900, Page 39

THE RIDING PROBLEM.

John Porter has something to say about the jockey question, and he emphasises the undoubted fact that older English celebrities did in fact ride, if not exactly in the American way, very forward on their horses, with' a short hold of their heads. Even in com-;' paratively recent years we have known Johh, Osborne by the name of "The Old Pusher." To ride long — with a long rein and a long stirrup — is altogether more elegant horEematiship, but for racing against the "crouchera". it is no use whatever. "None of the old! jockeys," paid Mr Porler, "used to sit up liko Grenadiers." His - view of the position is that infinite harm was done by raising the minimum weight ; such jockeys as Fordham, Wrlls, John Osborne, T. Chaloner, and others^ in 'their early days could all go to scale as light or lighter than Johnny Reiff, even when' he first came here, and Mr Porter declares that plenty of similar boys could be found, if only a chance were offered, them. As to> apprentice?' races, he regards' them as use'-* less, for ihe boys only ride against one an"-,' other, 'with no good jockey in ihe "field to set them an example. If they were given/ their apprentice allowance for a whole season^ then they would be brought forward, andf gain really useful experience. I cannot but) think that a rule to this effect would be verj^ beneficial indeed, for the boys that are going^ to learn hoy/ to teat the Americans at theii 1 ,; own game will certainly need a full seasonV practice before being- able 'to meet them on/ even terms with a fair chance of success. IS an apprentice allowance lasts for a season,** then we shall soon find English jockeys deve-j loping in sufficient numbers, and with suffi-] eient ability to hold their own against all 1 comers. Only, be it remembered, the use of the watch is an essential of the future, if: that future is to be really successful for our. jocke3*s, as we all hope.