I HAVE always been beguiled by the grey hunter in Alfred Munnings’ painting, The Braham Moor Hounds at Weeton Whin. He is beautifully muscled, ears pricked, eyes on the horizon, standing still but ready among the swell of the hounds.

Whether or not a hunt horse is bred for the job, the prerequisites are an ability to clear hedges and ditches, be tough enough to weather the drop-landings and sound enough to master all terrains. He also needs the brain and stamina to handle an entire hunting season from October to March. The grey horse in the painting certainly emanates those qualities, but Munnings’ painting was done in 1928. Although a strong hind and good shoulder are still desirable, today’s hunt horses are often smaller, hardier models than those of Munnings’ day.