214 HUNTERS OF THE PRESENT DAY 



possessed (not excepting Cruiser), which would fight 

 with fore and hind legs, and with their teeth also ; but 

 by patience and perseverance, and without punishment, 

 I could make them do almost everything I told them — 

 jump fences, or walk over or through them — follow me 

 like dogs, or go before me — clear brooks or wade through 

 them. In short, there can be Httle doubt that horses 

 by kind treatment will become as tractable and obedient 

 as dogs. But in these times the education artd familiarisa- 

 tion of the horse is never thought of. What does the 

 owner of a stud of hunters know or care about them 

 (generally speaking) as long as they are fit to go ? Their 

 entire management is entrusted to a head groom, the 

 Master seldom visiting his stables, except, perhaps, to 

 show them to a friend, when, with a cigar in his mouth, 

 and his hands in his pockets, he may order a horse to 

 be stripped to exhibit his condition and proportions, 

 and ask when he will be ready to come out again, con- 

 cluding with, " D — d splendid animal. Bob, eh ? Cost 

 three hundred ; quite thorough-bred, and can go the 

 pace ! " Now, that is about the usual average notice 

 bestowed by his rider in the present day on his horse. 



Let us contrast him with one of the olden school, who 

 would not go to his own bed before he had seen his 

 faithful horse well cared for, and prepared for his necessary 

 rest. No inquiries were made by him of a head groom, 

 he judged for himself ; he was fond of his horse, and the 

 horse equally attached to his master. On entering the 

 stable the morning after hunting his voice was imme- 

 diately recognised, and mutual greetings passed 

 between them. 



" Well, old friend ! '' asked the master, going up and 

 patting his horse on the neck, " how are you, old fellow. 



