Memoirs of a Foxhunting Man · Character

Harkaway

A chestnut gelding with a white blaze and a brilliant reputation, bought for fifty pounds and destined to carry the narrator through his boldest days in the field.

supporting

Also known as Highly strung old Harkaway, dear old Harkaway

First appearance: IV

As a supporting figure in Memoirs of a Foxhunting Man, Harkaway is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The chestnut horse George rides during his early hunting preparations.

In the storyA Fresh StartOpen this moment free

Harkaway arrives in the narrator's life through a stud groom's knowing advertisement, a horse already well known with the Dumborough Hounds. His owner, Mr. Gaffikin, praises him as the boldest performer he has ever ridden, and the narrator's confidence grows with every fence the horse carries him over. The purchase marks a turning point: the narrator stops being a spectator and becomes a rider with a real partnership beneath him.

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Character Web

15 connections

A slice of how Harkaway sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Hunt leadership and family
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the psychological peak where the narrator’s personal vend…

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In the story

Harkaway appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

A Fresh Start
The chestnut horse George rides during his early hunting preparations.
IV
The horse bought from Mr. Gaffikin; described as bold and improving with easy work.
V
George imagines jumping every fence with Harkaway, though he has yet to understand the farmer's perspective.
A Day with the Potford
Sherston's horse, who goes lame with an overreach after the hunt, but is cared for by Dixon.
I
Mentioned as the horse the narrator rides, imagining himself landing over a post-and-rails on him.
II
George's horse, whose stamina is insufficient for hard hunting but who shows courage and bold jumping.
III
George's horse; described as highly strung but capable, and shares a close bond with Dixon.
Arrival at Hoadley Rectory
George's horse, which he worries is not strong enough for his weight.
I
The narrator's horse, described as in good form during the hunt but showing signs of fatigue after galloping.
II
Ridden by Dixon during training gallops.
I
Another horse in the paddock, contemplated by the narrator and Stephen.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Harkaway unlock in the free preview.

See Harkaway in IV

See Harkaway in A Fresh Start