252 The Pytchley Hunt^ Past and Present. 



days ; witli few exceptions, tlie horses from the Rut- 

 landshire stables well maintained the credit of their 

 vendor's reputation. 



For many a year there might have been seen by the 

 side of the Squire of Brixworth a lady, no less 

 remarkable for her beauty than she was for her skill 

 in the management of the animal she rode ; one whose 

 love for the chase equalled, if it did not exceed, that 

 of her husband, -and whose opinion of a horse was 

 deferred to by him, as of almost unerring correctness. 

 Twice a week, if not oftener during the winter months, 

 two ladies in w^ell- fitting habits and dress quite en 

 regie, may be seen mounting their hunters at the steps 

 of Brixworth Hall. Half way down the flight, watching 

 the operation with an eye ready to detect anything that 

 may not be quite as it should be, there stands one who 

 betrays by every word and look that there is a warm 

 corner in his heart for each fair huntress. There is 

 many a little thing " to be set right '^ — a side-saddle is 

 not in its right place, a curb has to be let down, and 

 the groom is not unlikely to be inquired of whether 

 there has not been a mistake, and if he is not the gar- 

 dener ? But at length all becomes ship-shape. ^' Pater 

 Anchises " gets upon his horse, and the impatient steeds 

 feel that the day's fun has commenced at last. Hands 

 seat and nerve must all be brought into use before the 

 highly-bred, amply-fed animals *^ settle down." But 

 each of these requisites is ready on demand, and is used 

 to reduce the too-excellent spirit into subjection. 



In the eyes of either sister, " the young one that needs 

 a little managing " is preferred to the more safe and 

 ''' hum-drum ^^ style of mount, and the horse that has had 



