348 HUNTING. 



one who had rendered herself liable to prosecution for 

 cruelty to animals. I feel sure that no woman would 

 knowingly commit such a heartless action. When a 

 horse begins to show signs of distress, his rider should 

 instantly pull up, and, if necessary, walk him quietly 

 home. His " state of condition " should always be taken 

 into account at such times. The hurried and distressed 

 state of a horse's breathing, and his laboured action, 

 are sure signs to the experienced horsewoman that the 

 animal has had enough. To persons who know little 

 or nothing about horses, the fact of their usually free- 

 going mount ceasing to go up to his bridle and to 

 answer an encouraging shake of the reins or touch of 

 the whip, are valuable indications that he should be 

 pulled up, either into a trot or walk. If he is in hard 

 condition, a respite from exertion, for ten minutes or 

 a quarter of an hour, will make him all right for another 

 gallop, which should be given with due circumspection. 

 If the horse is not in thorough galloping condition he 

 should be taken home at a quiet walk. Keeping a 

 horse standing, especially in a cold wind, after a 

 fatiguing run, is not an unfrequent means of giving 

 the animal congestion of the lungs. A wise woman 

 will take care of a good hunter, for such animals are 

 not easy to replace, and, as Jorrocks says, " We know 

 what we 'ave, but we don't know what we may get." 

 If a lady intends to ride her hunter home, it would 

 greatly conduce to his comfort, and possibly her own, 

 especially if she has been several hours in the saddle, 

 to dismount for, say, a quarter of an hour, have her 



