On the second day of her hunting, as she was returning from the chase, and was arrived within a little distance from Mr Western’s house, her horse, whose mettlesome spirit required a better rider, fell suddenly to prancing & capering in such a manner that she was in the most imminent peril of falling.

Tom Jones, who was at a little distance behind, saw this, and immediately galloped up to her assistance.

As soon as he came up, he leapt from his own horse, and caught hold of hers by the bridle.

The unruly beast presently reared himself an end on his hind legs, and threw his lovely burthen from his back, and Jones caught her in his arms.

The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling by Henry Fielding (1749)