THE CLASSES OF HORSES 



61 



Hunters are ridden to fox hounds, cross country, and, as a 

 rule, with considerable weight up. In order to e^ualify they must, 

 in addition to being able to carry weight, stay for long, hard 

 runs, jump safely, and preferably in their stride, all common 

 obstacles in the field, such as fences, walls, and ditches, and 

 gallop fast enough to keep pace with the pack. They must also 



Fig. 52. — A gaited saddle stallion; one of the best representatives of this class, which is the 

 most popular of any in the South and West but has met only limited favor in the East. 



have good heads in order not to become hot in company and run 

 away through fences or into quarry holes. 



In order to meet these requirements, a horse must have all 

 the features of the weight carrier conspicuous in his make-up, 

 especially strong, well-developed shoulders and withers, mus- 

 cular quarters, and ample bone (Fig. 55). Quality is sacrificed 

 to siibstance, but a hunter must show breeding and not appear 



