THE HUNTER 



consider that such an animal can compete in the heavy weights, 

 and the converse. 



Having briefly discussed the outhnes relating to tempera- 

 ment, mouth, height, weight, etc., the writer will now review 

 the chief points essential for a typical hunter. 



The Head should be " light," sharp, well chiselled in 

 outline, and covered by thin skin and fine short hair ; ears small 

 and erect, li the head is coarse or heavy, the chances are that 

 the animal's temperament and intelligence will be equally 

 '' door," or blunted. 



Neck. — This ought to be of medium length, and its carriage 

 inclined to be " lofty," so as to give a light forehand. 



Long Shoulders and rather High Withers are points of 

 considerable importance, shoulder and hock action, constituting 

 the hunting man's ideal points for a hunter ; in fact, it cannot 

 have too extravagant action in either of these regions. The 

 question is what constitutes long shoulders, and how can the 

 buyer distinguish a long from a short shoulder ? 



To those acquainted with examining horses in detail the 

 matter is easy, but to the novice not so. A little practical advice 

 will perhaps do more than theoretical elaboration. Look at 

 the shoulders of a race horse and then at those of an inferior bred 

 vanner. The difference will at once be obvious. Not only 

 must the shoulders be long, but give evidence of good muscular 

 development. 



A hunter must have strong arms and forearms, ending at 

 the knee in broad, strong, and freely flexible joints ; stiff 

 knee joints, though the knees may be very much blemished 

 (banged knees, etc.), are fatal to jumping. 



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