THE LIFE OF A SPORTSMAN 



upwards of fourteen stone. A short time back he sold one 

 called Faith, for 750 guineas, in consequence of his having 

 been the only one that could live with the hounds over New- 

 bold Field, and leap a large fence into Lord Northampton's 

 park afterwards. So anxious was the gentleman who pur- 

 chased him to possess himself of such a treasure, that he 

 sent an express off, in the night of the day on which the cir- 

 cumstance occurred, to make an offer -of the money, in case 

 another customer should be before him. Newbold Field is 

 certainly one of the most distressing pieces of ground that I 

 ever rode over, and Faith must be, as he has the appearance 

 of being, a most superior horse to have crossed it on the day 

 I allude to, when it was in a very tender state, and very highly 

 ridged. 



' There is a very gentleman-like young man hunting with 

 us here — indeed, he resides within the limits of the hunt — 

 who has introduced a somewhat novel style of seat on his 

 horse, which, although perhaps he may carry it to an extreme, 

 appears to succeed with him, and will, no doubt, induce many 

 to follow his example, to a certain extent. I allude to the 

 increased length of stirrup-leather which this man, whose 

 name is Welch Posten, allows himself, extending almost 

 beyond that used by the military, or in the 'nianege. It is 

 likewise worthy of notice, that, although his height is nearly 

 six feet, he rides two mares, neither of which are fifteen 

 hands high, but which are very difficult to beat with their 

 owner on their backs. I am told he gave 400 guineas for 

 them, and they are well worth the money, being very accom- 

 plished fencers, and nearly thorough-bred. You have often 

 heard me say that I thought both you and mj^self used 

 stirrup-leathers of not sufficient length ; and the case I now 

 allude to confirms me in that opinion, so much so that I have 

 dropped my stirrups at least three holes. I am convinced 

 that I sit easier on my horse by having my weight placed 

 near to the shoulder, on that part, indeed, which is the point 

 of union in the horse, instead of near to the loins, which are 

 the weakest part of his frame. 



' But speaking of extraordinary men in our line, I must say 

 a word of one in this hunt, whose equal, .perhaps, is nowhere 

 else to be found. His name is Stibbs, and so inveterate a 

 lover of the chase is he, that he is not contented witli hunting 



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