The Opening Run 



HORSES buck light-heartedly as they land across the big 

 bank. They are glad to be clear of the wood and glad 

 to feel honest pasture beneath their hooves. They cock 

 their ears to the notes of the horn and the chime of the 

 racing pack. Their heads rake for freedom. They are 

 given it; and then in a thunder of flying hoof-beats 

 they streak away in the wake of the disappearing hounds. 

 A good start is essential, especially when a big wood 

 has to be traversed and when a big field are out. When 

 horses have to go in single file through narrow, muddy 

 and twisting paths, progress is naturally slow. If a 

 bank or stile has to be jumped at the outskirts of the 

 wood, the delays which such negotiation entail can be 

 positively distressing. The approach to such fences is 

 usually treacherous underfoot and is invariably lined by 

 trees which are so close to one another that the open 

 space available is almost negligible. Should a horse 

 refuse or misbehave himself at such a fence and in such 

 narrow confines, the delay and annoyance caused to 

 those behind him can be easily imagined. As there is 

 no other outlet from the wood, hounds could be in the 

 next parish before the unfortunate rider who happened 

 to be last emerged into the open. A good start obviates 

 the necessity for break-neck speed in overhauling hounds. 



49 



