A BC OF THE HORSE 29 



but, as a matter of fact, in a close 

 county, that is, where there is more 

 ploughed land, and the enclosures 

 are smaller, the half-bred hunter is 

 generally preferred. A typical hunter 

 should be absolutely sound in wind 

 and eyesight. The head should be 

 lean and the neck moderately long. 

 Good oblique shoulders, prominent 

 withers, strong back and loins, 

 well - sprung ribs, wide hips, and 

 muscular thighs, should top powerful 

 legs and sound feet. The hocks 

 should be particularly strong, for 

 upon them is thrown the chief portion 

 of the work whenever a leap is under- 



