HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT 



However, these are rather exceptional than otherwise, 

 and does not seriously disturb the systematic bleeding of 

 hunters upon a sure foundation. 



The temperaments of hunters vary in a remarkable manner, 

 in fact, as much as in the human being. Temperament is a most 

 important consideration, and must be estimated in accordance 

 with the temperament of the individual that will ride the animal 

 to hounds. Some hunters, even in cold blood, are of a most 

 impetuous nature, and unless cleverly handled, disaster will 

 most certainly, sooner or later, be the issue. 



One man may like a steady old thistle jumper, whereas 

 another — one of the devil-may-care sort — will have a hunter 

 that will halt at nothing less than an ox rail — not even at 

 destruction. Hunters that take-off in a reckless manner do 

 not, in the author's opinion, conform to his definition of — 



" A Hunter born, the Hunter bred 

 Will freely bend himself; 



With measured step his mighty form he'll raise, 

 And from his Master need no peon of praise. 

 But clear his ' object ' with an ease, 

 Befitting a Horse of his gentility." 



A steady and docile temperament is a desirable qualification. 

 A horse may be a finished jumper, and yet take his work as 

 cool as possible. Jumping qualifications can hardly be judged 

 in " cold " blood, because many horses are quite cool at their 

 work under these conditions, but make a poor display after 

 hounds. 



Temperament and jumping abilities can only be estimated 

 under both the foregoing conditions, and it is advisable for the 

 would-be purchaser to try in accordance therewith. Jumping 



