Between the 17th and 19th centuries, the sport of hunting was
transformed: the principal prey changed from deer to fox, and the
methods of pursuit were revolutionized. Questioning the traditional
explanation of the hunting transition--namely that change in the
landscape led to a decline of the deer population--this book explores
the terrain of Northamptonshire during that time period and seeks
alternative justifications. Arguing that the many changes that hunting
underwent in England were directly related to the transformation of the
hunting horse, this in-depth account demonstrates how the
near-thoroughbred horse became the mount of choice for those who hunted
in the shires. This book shows how, quite literally, the thrill of the
chase drove the hunting transition.