INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 15 



plete course of re-training, under circumstances differ- 

 ent from those under which the restiveness is usually 

 exhibited. The question then arises, On what system 

 this re-training should be undertaken the usual Eng- 

 lish one, or some modification of the school method "? 

 The first named, taken alone, is inadequate to the 

 purpose ; if for no other reason, from being generally 

 carried out on the roads, fields, &c. that is to say, 

 just where provocation and opportunity for conflicts 

 present themselves at every corner. Nevertheless, it 

 has its own peculiar advantages, which should be 

 utilised. The school method is much better adapted 

 for the correction of restiveness, because it affords more 

 direct and efficient means for acquiring perfect control 

 over the horse's movements. It is, however, from a 

 judicious combination of the two systems that the 

 best results may be hoped for. We shall, therefore, 

 give first a general sketch of the principles of both, 

 pointing out as we proceed how each may be best 

 applied for the object in view, as also for that of get- 

 ting over difficulties with horses that are not restive. 

 We shall next lay down the outlines of a method 

 applicable in nearly all cases of insubordination ; and, 

 finally, specify for some particular forms of restiveness 

 the treatment that promises the best results; as also 

 what should be avoided for very much depends 011 

 this. In a word, we propose showing that a rational 

 methodical treatment of what is called vice offers much 

 better chances of success than violent measures : and 

 with this general statement of the aim and object of 

 this treatise we now conclude our introductory chapter. 



