PERSONAL HINTS FOR HUNTING MfiN 145 



journey. Always see that a rug is thrown over the 

 horse while you have your own refreshment, in con- 

 suming which you should lose no time, for fear of 

 your horse getting stiff. Besides, the stables at road- 

 side inns, as a rule, are not remarkable for luxurious 

 or sanitary arrangements. If the stable smells close, 

 insist upon the door being left partially open, for a 

 tired, hot horse used to a healthy stable is apt to get 

 "belly-ache" in a close stable, even during the few 

 minutes he is inside it, especially if he takes his 

 gruel greedily. Also feel over his legs for thorns. 

 Eemember that in the partnership between horse 

 and rider during a day's hunting the horse has done 

 far the greater share of the work, so that common 

 kindness and gratitude demand that you should look 

 well after him on the journey home. Walk by his 

 side occasionally for a quarter of a mile ; the walk 

 will relieve him and prevent you getting stiff. Finally, 

 bear in mind that the horse is a sensitive animal, 

 fully capable of appreciating kindness. 



Let us say a few words about the treatment of the 

 rider ! 



Before dressing for dinner, he will require a fillip 

 of some sort. For our own part, we prefer a cup of 

 strong, clear soup ; but if that luxury is not to be 

 obtained from the culinary authorities, then a glass 

 of whisky-and-milk and a dry biscuit is perhaps the 

 best substitute. Some people prefer tea, in which 

 case the tea should be drunk at least an hour before 

 dinner. We may mention that there are few things 

 more annoying to the hunting man than to have to 



K 



