6 PREFACE. 



habits, peculiarities, wants, and weaknesses of the horse, has not 

 heen utterly fruitless in results, he flatters himself that he can at 

 least contribute his mite in furtherance of a better understanding 

 of an animal, which can never be too well understood by any one 

 who would gain the greatest possible advantage from such a ser- 

 vant. 



With such views the author has prepared the present work. Its 

 pages are believed to contain a complete, candid, and truthful ex- 

 position of all the points which it is incumbent upon the horse- 

 owner to comprehend. Standard authorities upon the subject have 

 been freely consulted, and the suggestions therein contained have 

 been adopted, when corroborated by the author's own experience 

 or observation. Reference has been made to the following among 

 others : — Percival, Blain, Morton, Clark, Finley Dunn, Youatt. 

 Coleraan, and Spooner, on the Horse ; Herbert's Horse of America, 

 and Hints to Horsekeepers ; Stewart's Stable Economy ; The Far- 

 mer's Encyclopedia ; and the Morgan Horse by Linsley. 



The remedies recommended have all stood the test of actual trial, 

 and are known to have proved efficacious in previous cases. As the 

 author has no special hobby to ride, he has in this department of 

 the subject given such modes of treatment only as he personally 

 has superintended in actual practice, no matter frorh what source 

 they may have been suggested. The very many illustrations 

 throughout the volume it is believed will materially enhance its 

 interest and value. 



With the hope that the work may meet the approval of the large 

 class for whom it was specially prepared, and with the consciousness 

 that no effort to that end has been omitted by the author, he con- 

 fidently leaves it in their hands, to be dealt with as to them shall 

 seem most meet and proper. 



Philadelphiaf September, 1860. 



