THE HUNTER 73 



The Hunter 



In the modern type of hunter, the blood horse, or 

 thoroughbred sire, is largely responsible for its production, 

 and the Hunters Improvement Society has paved the 

 way for the production of hunters to meet the require- 

 ments of those in search of these animals. All sorts and 

 conditions of hunters are found in stables, at horse 

 repositories, at fairs, at markets, and in the stables of 

 dealers, where they are offered for sale, bought, and not 

 infrequently returned to their vendor. It is reasonable 

 to assume that more hunters are sold at Messrs. Tatter- 

 sail's Horse Repository in London than in any other 

 sale yard in the kingdom. Some very high-class animals 

 are exposed for sale, and, as in every other horse repository, 

 the converse sometimes applies, in spite of the stringency 

 of the auctioneer's regulations. It is customary to 

 speak of a horse as " the hunter born," and the " hunter 

 made," both of which terms are sufficiently expressive. 

 It is impossible to pay too much attention, in the matter 

 of soundness, when about to purchase a hunter. To 

 judge distance a hunter's eyesight must be perfect. To 

 go the pace, it must have a sound heart, sound lungs, and 

 a sound breathing apparatus, from the top notch to the 

 last air space in the lungs. It must be sound in its joints 

 and sound in tendons, ligaments, and above all be free 

 from stiffness. Moreover, it must possess two very 

 essential features, viz. great freedom of shoulder move- 

 ment and free flexion of the hocks. If it is wanting in the 

 two last-named it never will jump clear. Condition is also 

 of vital importance. The muscles must be hard. To 

 ascertain whether the latter is present or not run the 

 hand along the upper border of the neck, which should 

 feel like a cord ; in fact, it should be as hard as iron. 

 Condition is seldom bought. It has to be made, and the 

 new owner may have to make it. If the animal is required 

 for immediate use this cannot be done at the beginning 



