I don't necessarily mean Mrs. Marlow was a bad parent - just pointing out some of of what I consider to be mistakes. And I'm sure they wouldn't want her any other way.

I think perhaps the "one big random present" thing is more normal in large families, and you're right, we don't know if the others have had similar large presents at other times. But I do think hiring a horse was a bit of an issue, in that obviously a pretty talented rider (I think we're told Lawrie is quite good) couldn't stay the course of the hunt because the hired hirse she is one goes "lame".