122 THE PRACTICAL HORSE KEEPER. 



horses, when very tired, are liable to stumble ; this, of course, 

 the rider mast be on the look-out for. 



On arrival at home, it is every sportsman's duty to see his 

 horse " done up," and made comfortable for the night, unless 

 he has a very trustworthy stud-groom ; and a careful examina- 

 tion for thorns in the horse's legs should always be made. The 

 back should also be carefully inspected, in order to ascertain 

 that the saddle has not galled it. This, with a good dressing 

 over, a good bed, and other cares already noticed in stable 

 management, will complete the horse's toilet for the night. 



It is scarcely necessary for gentlemen, at least, to be 

 reminded that the hunting horse should be treated with kind- 

 ness and consideration at all times, and especially when in 

 the field. Thoughtfulness in this respect is amply rewarded 

 by the better wear and greater usefulness of the animal, and 

 the kindly sympathy engendered between him and his rider, 

 which is in itself a source of pleasure and gratification to the 

 true lover of the noble beast. To spur and to punish, by bit 

 and by hunting crop, a willing horse, or one which perhaps does 

 not quite comprehend what is required of him, is not horse- 

 manship, neither is it creditable ; while to push a horse on 

 until he is exhausted and reels and staggers, perhaps falls and 

 dies, is unfeeling and brutal, arid deserves the severest con- 

 demnation. Men who can be guilty of such cruelty have no 

 business on horseback in the pursuit of our own pleasure we 

 have no right to inflict such pain. The real sportsman is he 

 who knows how to get the most out of his horse, without dis- 

 tressing or breaking him down. When it unfortunately 

 happens that a horse shows signs of distress heavy in hand, 

 floundering and swaying action, laboured breathing, etc. he 

 should be pulled up at once, the girths and throat strap 

 loosened, the bit dropped out of the mouth, the saddle eased off 

 the back, and the face turned towards the wind. If there 

 is any water near, a mouthful or two may be allowed, or a 



