Richard Blome

British sportsmen would have used horses from the earliest days when setters helped them catch birds in nets.

In the 1686 illustration by Richard Blome, we see two mounted riders following two gentlemen and their setter as they attempt to catch a covey of partridges.

In the background, two other hunters use a stalking horse to push birds into a funnel net.

With the advent of light, portable firearms came new ways of employing dogs and horses in the chase.