INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 



THE author of this little work is fully aware that he 

 can claim but little merit on the score of originality, 

 as many clever writers on this subject have preceded him ; 

 but their precepts are for the most part of so elaborate and 

 technical a nature, as to render them comparatively useless, 

 if not unintelligible, to the majority of readers. The ob- 

 ject of this short treatise is, to place within the reach of 

 every one, a few plain practical instructions, by which the 

 horse may be trained to work with comfort to himself, and 

 safety to his rider, thereby preventing numerous accidents 

 to both. The horse is beyond all contradiction, one of the 

 most beautiful, as well as valuable animals man has subju- 

 gated to his will, whether we view him in point of utility, 

 or as contributing to our pleasure ; and this perhaps may in 

 some degree, account for the ambition that seems natural to 

 most men, to be thought judges of this animal. Among 

 Englishmen in particular, this feeling seems to pervade 

 every rank, from the nobleman with his numerous stud to 

 the meanest helper in his stable. Even the mechanic, who 

 is rarely loosed from his toil, when he does take a holiday, 

 usually selects the race time for the occasion ; and although 

 he may never have crossed a horse, still takes an interest 

 in his performance, and delivers his opinion as to the quality 

 of the different animals, as boldly as if he were a profound 

 judge. 



Now as so many believe themselves qualified to give an 

 opinion on this subject, and as there are but few who are 

 really competent to do so, it is by no means surprising that 

 many conflicting instructions, have, from time to time, been 



