14G VARIETIES OF THE HORSE 



required of him through a long day. Regarding the action of a Hunter, all 

 that need be said is that galloping and walking are the two most useful 

 gaits that he can possess. When fully extended his gallop should be 

 smooth, without any disposition to fight about it, but rather of the low 

 creeping order; and of course the faster he is the better. An ability to 

 trot, too, with ease to his rider is, of course, an additional and a valuable 

 attribute, for it usually happens that this mode of progression is resorted 

 to in the journey to and from the meet; but it is not every galloper 

 that can trot, and after all the former is far the more important action 

 in a Hunter. A horse of this description that can walk well is, of course, 

 an animal for selection over one that cannot, as the rider of a tired 

 Hunter which cannot step out is not to be envied when he has to make 

 his way home on a strange road and in the dark. There can be no two 

 opinions upon the question of temper in a Hunter, as an awkward head- 

 strong animal, let alone a vicious one, is always a danger to his rider and 

 the rest of the field. Finally, the manners of the perfect Hunter must 

 be exceptionally good, his mouth should be light, his intelligence great, and 

 while possessing courage, he should be steady and tractable, with his heart 

 in the right place. A puller will soon wear down the strength of his rider, 

 whereas a horse with manners will carry him without demanding half the 

 expenditure of energy and trouble to keep him straight. 



Briefly speaking, therefore, a Hunter, for whatever purposes he may 

 be required, should possess — 



First, the best of legs and feet. 



Second, action, strength, and courage. 



Third, long sloping shoulders, without which the action will not be 

 there. 



Fourth, powerful quarters and big muscular back-legs. 



Fifth, a neat intelligent head. 



Sixth, a deep chest, and a flat and not too short back. 



Some points of a Hunter were briefly epitomized by Whyte Melville 

 as follows: — 



" A head like a snake, and a skin like a mouse. 



An eye like a woman's, bright, gentle, and brown. 

 With loins and a liack that Avould carry a house, 

 And quarters to lift him right over a town ". 



With every word of the above all hunting men will cordially agree, 

 their principal regret being, no doubt, that the gifted author did not 

 still further extend his poetical description of a very valuable class of 

 horse. 



The Saddle Horse. — Having referred to the various distinct breeds 



