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CHIEF INDICATIONS OF A HUNTER. 



The chief points to look for in a made three- 

 parts-bred hunter are as follows : — 



He should have a quiet temper ; sound of wind 

 and eyesight ; free from pulling, with a pleasant, 

 tractable mouth ; and his manners generally should 

 be as nearly perfect as possible. His head should 

 be small, broad between the eyes, and tapering finely 

 towards the muzzle. His eyes should be large, pro- 

 minent, and should show plenty of courage when 

 put upon his mettle ; while his ears should be well 

 set on, small and pointed, and when erect the tips 

 should incline well towards each other. This is gen- 

 erally a certain indication of courage and stamina. 

 Horses with long, flapping ears should always be 

 discarded, as they are invariably wanting in pluck 

 and endurance. The neck of the hunter should be 

 moderately long and lean, slightly arched, and well 

 placed on a set of fine sloping shoulders ; while his 

 withers should be high, so that he may carry the 

 saddle in a good position. Horses with straight 

 thick shoulders should always be avoided for saddle 

 work of all kinds, as their action is generally un- 

 pleasant. The hunter should be deep-chested, with 

 well-sprung ribs, a short straight back, and in pos- 

 session of strong, well-developed, muscular quarters. 

 He should have well-proportioned, flat -boned legs, 

 like whalebone. They should not be too long from 

 the knee to the pastern joint, and his pasterns should 



