they will not be likely to overtax the powers of their hunters. I once
saw in an old _Graphic_ a picture of Lady Somebody's mare which that
worthy dame had ridden to death. The animal had, it was explained, gone
brilliantly with her ladyship that day and had fallen dead while passing
through a village. The artist had drawn the poor mare stretched out,
surrounded by an inquisitive field, and the owner posed as the heroine
of a great achievement, instead of one who had rendered herself liable
to prosecution for cruelty to animals. I feel sure that no woman would
knowingly commit such a heartless action. When a horse begins to show
signs of distress, his rider should instantly pull up, and, if
necessary, walk him quietly home. His "state of condition" should always
be taken into account at such times. The hurried and distressed state of
a horse's breathing, and his laboured action, are sure signs to the
experienced horsewoman that the animal has had enough. To persons who
know little or nothing about horses, the fact of their usually
free-going mount ceasing to go up to his bridle and to answer an
encouraging shake of the reins or touch of the whip, are valuable
indications that he should be pulled up, either into a trot or walk. If
he is in hard condition, a respite from exertion, for ten minutes or a
quarter of an hour, will make him all right for another gallop, which
should be given with due circumspection. If the horse is not in thorough
galloping condition he should be taken home at a quiet walk. Keeping a
horse standing, especially in a cold wind, after a fatiguing run, is not
an unfrequent means of giving the animal congestion of the lungs. A wise
woman will take care of a good hunter, for such animals are not easy to
replace, and, as Jorrocks says, "We know what we 'ave, but we don't know
what we may get." If a lady intends to ride her hunter home, it would
greatly conduce to his comfort, and possibly her own, especially if she
has been several hours in the saddle, to dismount for, say, a quarter of
an hour, have her horse quietly led about, and then ride him home at a
walk. If she is using a second horse, it is always wise to get her
second horseman to take the saddle off her first horse and rub his back
well with the hand, especially at the off side of the withers and of the
back, under the cantle, in order to restore the circulation of the part
before taking him home. The animal ought to be given an opportunity o