90 HUNTING 



Besides, it is surprising the difference which a hand — 

 i.e. four inches — makes to a horse in regard to his 

 power to see what is on the other side of a fence. 

 The result is that tall horses seldom blunder on the 

 landing side of a fence. Digby Collins says, "In a 

 big flying country the height of a hunter is of little 

 consequence, so long as it is over fifteen hands one 

 inch." 



In conclusion, we do not advise the tyro to be 

 persuaded to buy an old hunter, under the impression 

 that the horse will be able to teach the man to ride. 

 As a rule, old horses are far too clever, and are apt 

 to judge their distance at a jump too accurately with 

 nothing to spare ; and, when they do fall, it means 

 a nasty accident, for they lack the spirit of young 

 horses, and instead of rising quickly, lie on the rider. 

 The treatment of the hunter will be dealt with in the 

 next chapter. 



