CHAPTER XXXV 



THE HUNTER AND POLO PONY 



The hunter and polo pony differ rather markedly from the two 

 types of saddle horses described in the preceding chapter, largely be- 

 cause they are required to do work of a highly specialized nature in 

 which performance is of greater importance and beauty less valued 

 than with the gaited horse and park hack. Hence, the hunter and 

 polo pony are given separate consideration in order that their peculiari- 

 ties of type and requirements may be better emphasized. 



The Hunter 



The hunter is the type used in following the hounds in fox hunting. 

 He must be up to carrying his rider at good speed over long distances 

 across country, jumping fences and ditches when called upon to do so. 

 Like the park hack, this is an English type. The American demand 

 for this horse is limited, but the supply is more limited, and some high 

 prices have been paid for hunters in this country. 



From the nature of the work, the hunter must be a horse of more 

 size, ruggedness, and constitution than the other types of saddle horses. 

 He must be a stayer at hard work, a jumper, and a horse of courage 

 and decent manners. His bone must be of good size and of the right 

 quality, and there must be an evidence of strength throughout his 

 conformation. Otherwise he cannot long withstand the hardships of 

 the hunting field. 



Height and weight. — With reference to height, much will depend 

 upon circumstances. Weight-carrying hunters are always more diffi- 

 cult to procure, and command higher prices. Short, light-weight men 

 prefer 15-2 hands to 15-3, but where fences are high, tall horses are 

 necessary. Some hunters are nearly 17 hands. Hunters are classed 

 as light, middle, and heavy weight according to their size and weight. 

 Most of the hunting horses in use range in height from 15-2 to 16-1 

 hands, and in weight from 1,000 to 1,250 pounds. 



The general appearance of the hunter should be that of a thin- 

 skinned, big-boned, small-headed, fine-shouldered, deep-chested, clean- 

 legged animal, with a neatly turned, compact body, and having a facial 

 expression of great keenness, docility, and quick perception. 



The head should be refined; the forehead straight; the eyes large 

 and prominent; the ears erect and thin; and the skin covering the head 



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