Vlll PREFACE. 



ledge or rather predilection for certain horses is 

 derived from books, to learn that large " users " very 

 rarely obtain exactly such horses as they would choose ; 

 they therefore adopt the wise course of balancing 

 one thing with another, and purchase the best they 

 can get. 



The present Duke of Wellington recently observed 

 of a horse : " A great many faults might be found 

 with his hocks ; he could not pass an examination. 

 But I do not mind, I know well enough he is a good 

 wearer, and I will give you a cheque for him." The 

 duke's observation proved him to be a practical horse- 

 man ; in short, a good judge. Horses are essentially 

 animals for use, and although the whole modern system 

 of breeding and training tends to produce animals 

 compactly built and beautiful to look upon, still no 

 amount of training will conceal from the practised eye 

 the features useful or useless for the purpose in view. 



