Echoes of the Hunting Horn 



That very craziness brings about their downfall at the 

 first ugly fence. In a Point-to-Point, for instance, or 

 indeed in any other race, how many of the riders who 

 lead from the beginning continue to do so past the winning 

 post ? Comparatively few. Indeed, most cross-country 

 events are won by horses that were held in a comfortable 

 position and ridden by cool cross-country craftsmen. 

 When hunting, one must remember that a horse is not 

 a motor-car that can be driven at top speed indefinitely. 

 If he be raced along at top speed over a blind country 

 he becomes exhausted in a comparatively short time and 

 will take a rest in the bottom of the most convenient 

 ditch. His energy must be conserved. He needs to be 

 nursed. And the rider who nurses him intelligently in 

 a long, gruelling run will be among those present 

 and they are usually few when the pack account for 

 their quarry. 



There is, admittedly, an almost irresistible temptation 

 at the beginning of a hunt to display one's prowess to 

 a crowded field. That is but human frailty and as such 

 may be forgiven, provided always that such demonstra- 

 tion does not interfere with the work of hounds. If it 

 does there is no forgiveness forthcoming, and a Master 

 is quite entitled to select his choice of language. There 

 is no shortage of horse shows or race meetings which 

 provide ample facilities for displays of jumping or 

 speed. One's efforts will meet with more appreciation 

 from the spectators in either of these branches of sport. 

 The spectators in both forms of entertainment are 

 merely spectators, whereas in hunting they are not only 

 spectators but are actual participants. 



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