DISCRETION 



in which the beast's discretion pleads reasonably- 

 enough for some forbearance from its master. If 

 a good horse, thoroughly experienced in the 

 exigencies of the sport, that you have ridden a 

 season or two, and flatter yourself you understand, 

 persistently refuses a fence, depend upon it there 

 is sufficient reason. The animal may be lame 

 from an injury just received, may have displaced 

 a joint, broken a tendon, or even ruptured an 

 artery. Perhaps it is so blown as to feel it must 

 fall in the effort you require. At any rate do not 

 persevere. Horses have been killed, and men 

 also, through a sentiment of sheer obstinacy that 

 would not be denied, and humanity should at 

 least think shame to be outdone in discretion by 

 the brute. A horse is a wise creature enough, 

 or he could never carry us pleasantly to hounds. 

 An old friend of mine used to say, " People 

 talk about size and shape, shoulders, quarters, 

 blood, bone, and muscle, but for my part, give 

 me a hunter with brains. He has to take care 

 of the biggest fool of the two, and think for 

 both ! " 



Discretion, then, is one of the most valuable 

 qualities for an animal charged with such heavy 

 responsibilities, that bears us happy and triumph- 

 ant during the day, and brings us safe home at 

 night. Who would grudge a journey across St. 

 George's Channel to find this desirable quality 



135 



