606 HUNTERS. 



yours to stand still, to back freely, to side-step, and to 

 stand for mounting, etc., with head quite loose. Make the 

 animal bend and show himself when judges are near, 



HUNTERS. 



The hunter may be considered the most profitable show 

 horse for the reasons that the raw material is generally 

 cheap, and may develop into an animal of great value for 

 both show and sale purposes ; that premiums for this variety 

 are always numerous, and of fair amount; and that travelling 

 expenses as with saddle-horses, are small, since no vehicles 

 are transported. 



There is little to say concerning hunters. Performances 

 over fences is the only point at which you can assist, and 

 you can best do that by sitting perfectly still, going along 

 at a fair hunting pace all the way, since the average jumper 

 does better if not interfered with between fences, and judges 

 prefer such a style. In fact it might well be ruled that all 

 contestants must cover the course in a certain time. This 

 would allow for a refusal or two, but would insure a fair 

 pace, and reach definite and intelligent results more quickly, 

 putting the rushers and refusers on the shelf where they 

 belong. 



If a hunter is entered in several classes, and the ground 

 (as usual) is very hard, care must be taken that shoulders 

 and loins are well massaged with alcohol, etc., to prevent 

 soreness. A horse should always be ridden about before 

 entering the arena to " get him on his feet." Horses are 

 mounted in the ring, and taken at their fences instantly, 

 and, of course, jump badly. Long trots and canters up steep 

 hills are the best preliminary if the animal already knows 



