RIDING OVER THE SHIRES 191 



hold his own fairly well, but of a long, fast and straight 

 run he is not likely to see even the greater part. 



To every man who aspires to a high place in the 

 hunting field I should like to give a preliminary edu- 

 cation in school-riding. Not, of course, that there 

 is any wish to bring the tricks of the manege or riding- 

 school into the hunting field, but because we cannot 

 possibly know too much about horses and riding. 

 If then you are not among the most wealthy, it is 

 quite possible to improve a horse greatly by being 

 able to teach him to go in true form. Many horses 

 are awkward and disagreeable because they are only 

 half broken and have never been taught the use of 

 their limbs. And though for the horse, as for his 

 master, the hunting field is no doubt the finishing 

 school, the university in which each must take his 

 degree, yet I believe in preliminary lessons for both, 

 in the school and on the road. 



It adds interest to our rides to make our horses go 

 in proper form, to trot and canter and walk well, 

 collectedly and neatly, and to change their legs as 

 required. Of course, I know that many men ride 

 only when they are hunting or playing polo, the 

 bicycle and the motor-car having to a great extent 

 taken the place of the hack. Nevertheless there are 

 many who will agree that riding is the pleasantest. 

 the most interesting, and the healthiest method of 

 taking exercise. It is quite certain too that the 

 man who hacks about in the summer will enjoy his 

 hunting the more for doing so. I should go further 

 and say that a summer's hacking, due regard being 

 had to the state of the ground, is an excellent way 

 of finding out much about a new hunter. It is like 

 an engagement which may enable a couple to learn 

 if they are suited to one another. 



