THE HUNTER AND HIS EDUCATION 



fortably ; even the extra length of stirrup- 

 leather, which his round and short thigh compels, 

 does not afford him a secure prop ; and the 

 same arguments hold against the tall saddle-horse 

 as against the hunter. Modifications of these 

 characteristics are most essential if comfort is to 

 ensue. As hunters and hacks for men are almost 

 always selected above the needful power, so those 

 for feminine use are usually the exact reverse. If 

 a woman walks one hundred and forty pounds, 

 she will ride at or near one hundred and seventy 

 pounds ; yet any sort of slack-waisted, light-tim- 

 bered screw is chosen for this job, doubly irk- 

 some to it because weight and balance are mostly 

 to one side ; and this " crock " effectually " wipes 

 our eyes " by frequently carrying his burden 

 safely and satisfactorily for years ; referred to as a 

 mere " lady's horse," yet accomplishing tasks 

 that would be considered impossible were they 

 appreciated. How often, too, you hear men say, 

 " Yes, I sold Honesty ; he carried me splendidly, 

 but he was n't up to my weight ! " How curious 

 that is ! As if the performance did not conclu- 

 sively prove the ability, be size, make, and shape 

 what it might. The plains pony of six hundred 

 pounds weight carries all day and every day, 

 11 161 



