The Woodland Pytehley. 153 



Again, amid a small company, and an independent 

 one, tliere must be mucli more individuality of action 

 than in a crowded current of liumanity and horseflesh. 

 And this alone must always add an interest. Where 

 the field of action is open and easy enough for all, 

 where most are successful, and where competition does 

 not shut out, the day need seldom close on disappoint- 

 ment, thwarted ambition, or loss of opportunity. And 

 thus moralising, we come to the practical point that 

 you need not throw your money away too lavishly 

 when mounting yourself for the country in question. 

 You may, if you like, keep a good horse for Dingley, 

 Rushton, &c., on the chance of a dive into the outer 

 grass. But for home purposes and general occasion, 

 something stout and shortlegged — with a blood head, 

 and heels well protected (if you can hit upon such a 

 combination) — will carry you well enough. An extra 

 ten pounds on fair hack action will not be thrown 

 away — if you would hunt far and late. 



This summary of requirement is, of course, intended 

 for the outsider who does not care to be in every field 

 with the hounds, but he who does, and the huntsman, 

 requires possibly as good or a better horse than in the 

 largest jumping country. At any moment a fox may 

 take to the open, and with little exception the fences 

 are large and require a first-rate jumper. In other 

 respects a horse is most severely tried for stoutness in 

 the deep rides. 



