8 THE HORSEMAN'S MANUAL. 



published on horses, and on the best means of riding and 

 training them. And some reason may exist for this, when 

 we consider that horses vary so much in form and constitu- 

 tion, that even good judges very often differ, and not unfre- 

 quently, may be more or less in error. 



My object is to instruct my readers as briefly, and as 

 plainly as the subject will admit of, in the best method of 

 training and riding young horses. 



The horse, by nature, is a gentle and complying creature, 

 and resists rather from fear than obstinacy : bearing this in 

 mind, we must always endeavour to assure him, and give 

 him confidence; and therefore, the colt cannot be treated 

 with too much kindness, accompanied by caution and firm- 

 ness. The groom can do something to assist the rider in this 

 respect, for much of the horse's training depends upon his 

 treatment in the stable ; the person also to whom his train- 

 ing is entrusted, should be accustomed to horses, and not one 

 that would be frightened at every start they may make, for 

 many who are not aware of the natural timidity of colts, 

 alarm them by their own fears, in the way they approach 

 them; and as they soon perceive these fears, they will take 

 the earliest advantage of them, by endeavouring to prevent 

 any one from coming near them : for, the horse is very 

 sagacious, even when young, and watches every movement 

 about him, and will soon distinguish fear from firmness in 

 his attendant, or rider ; therefore he cannot be deceived by 

 assumed boldness, or by angry words ; but, on the contrary, 

 if you treat him with kindness, and when you touch him, 

 lay the hand on him with firmness, and speak gently to him, 

 he will soon become attached and friendly, which is the 

 first thing you should attempt to secure, since those he is 

 most familiar with and accustomed to, he will be the least 

 alarmed at, and will have the most confidence in. The 

 fewer persons about him the better. 



The experience of many years * in forming and training 



* Twenty-two years. 



