When the time arrives for the first jumping lesson he should be accompanied by a steady old horse which can be relied upon not to refuse, but after the pupil has gained confidence, and displays a willingness to take his leaps alone, the services of the school-master may be dispensed with, and the colt may be schooled by himself. At four years old or earlier his education should be sufficiently advanced for him to be taken out cubbing, where he will get a look at hounds and their belongings; but the greatest care should be taken when he first appears in public to prevent him from being upset by the novelty of the surroundings, as if permitted to have his own way at this time the horse may be ruined for life. Consequently, it is not desirable to bring a promising colt of which great things are expected, and which may probably grow into money, out too soon. A little patience will be amply repaid later by escape from accident and a larger price being obtained for him; and he will find plenty to learn if properly schooled at home, without being subjected to the excitement he will meet with at the covert side, or the strain which will be put upon his immature energies when the hounds are running.

His schooling being completed, the five-year-old hunter is fit to take his place in the field, but a hard-riding owner should remember that after all he has only a baby under him, and should therefore be careful to spare his mount as much as he can. Anything like stopping on the way home should never be thought of, but if the journey be a long one, or the horse pumped, a drink of gruel is a merciful provision which should be procured at the earliest opportunity. On arrival at the stables the worst of the mud should, if very thick, be scraped or brushed off, no water being applied to any part of the body but the muzzle and dock, as the application of water increases the chances of mud-fever supervening. Have the horse rubbed dry, his ears pulled, and legs bandaged and well cooled; clothe him and leave him for an hour or two to enjoy his food and well-earned rest. After which a brisk rub over with a wisp will suffice until morning.