Some men ride for hunting, some for
jumping, and some for exercise; some, no doubt, for all three of
these things. Given a man with a desire for the latter, no taste
for the second, and some partiality for the first, and he cannot
do better than ride in the manner I am describing. He may be sure
that he will not find himself alone; and he may be sure also that
he will incur none of that ridicule which the non-hunting man is
disposed to think must be attached to such a pursuit. But the man
who hunts and never jumps, who deliberately makes up his mind
that he will amuse himself after that fashion, must always
remember his resolve, and be true to the conduct which he has
laid down for himself. He must jump not at all. He must not jump
a little, when some spurt or spirit may move him, or he will
infallibly find himself in trouble. There was an old Duke of
Beaufort who was a keen and practical sportsman, a master of
hounds, and a known Nimrod on the face of the earth; but he was a
man who hunted and never jumped. His experience was perfect, and
he was always true to his resolution. Nothing ever tempted him to
cross the smallest fence. He used to say of a neighbour of his,
who was not so constant, " Jones is an ass. Look at him now.
There he is, and he can't get out. Jones doesn't like jumping,
but he jumps a little, and I see him pounded every day.
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