with Horse and Hound

The Worst Hunt on Record

I’m wondering how many foxhunters will identify with this escapade. Your editor certainly does. Though, thankfully, in the two experiences I have in mind, the rascals were at least honest enough---indeed more than enthusiastic enough---to jump the fences!

echoes of the hunting horn.cropped.lynch.olive whitmoreIllustration by Olive Whitmore

I knew by the wag of his head that he was a bit-of-a-lad. When I mounted him he flung his bit-bars in truculent resentment. When I jogged off, his jaws took a vice-like hold of the bit, his head poked sideways and, if horses wore hats, his would have been very definitely "on the Kildare side." I soon discovered that it was a waste of energy to attempt to alter his head-position. His jaws were rigid, his neck inflexible, in fact, everything in front of the saddle seemed to be set in reinforced concrete. Reins are ornamental accoutrements on hobby-horses: mine were just as effective.

I had been told he was the heart and soul of a rascal, but as I have ridden, and occasionally fallen off, every conceivable brand of rascal, I felt I could forestall any equine acrobatics which he might have under consideration. His owner had given me the animal's whole character; that is, of course, assuming that there was a shred of it left to give to anyone; and I had gladly accepted the offer of a day's hunting, character or no character! Two stable companions had had a hard hunt the previous day, a third was lame and a fourth had a cough; so it was ride this old reprobate or nothing.

This content is for subscribers only.
Join Now
Already a member? Log in here
Click any ad image.
(Opens in new window)
painting of two tricolor foxhounds with Sporting Art Auction logo
fox sketch over enamel bit ring with savenac logo
tcfe ad image fairfax & favor
Click any ad image.
(Opens in new window)
Thomas & Talbot logo Anne McIntosh 703-509-4499
Mark Lexton
Horse Books Plus
Blind Bombing
Cross Gate Gallery sporting art hound painting
photo of fox kits by Liz Callar
Erik Olsen Photography
Cathy Summers
Noel Mullins
Lauren Giannini
KLM Images