4 INTRODUCTION. 



to dispel her gloom, and, once in the saddle, 

 {speeding along through the freshening air, fan- 

 cied griefs are soon forgotten, while strength 

 and nerve are gained to face those troubles 

 of a more serious nature, whose existence can- 

 not be iii:nored. 



To the mistress who thoroughly understands 

 the art of managing him, the horse gives his 

 entire affection and obedience, becomes her 

 most wilHng slave, submits to all her whims, 

 and is proud and happy under her rule. 



In disposition the horse is much like a child. 

 Both are governed by kindness combined with 

 firmness ; both meet indifference with indiffer- 

 ence, but return tenfold in love and obedience 

 any care or affection that is bestowed upon 

 them. The horse also resembles the child in 

 the keenness with w^hicli he detects hypocrisy ; 

 no pretense of love or interest will impose on 

 either. 



To the lady rider who has neither real fond- 

 ness for her horse nor knowledge of governing 

 him, there is left but one resource by means of 

 which the animal can be controlled, and this is 

 the passion of fear. With a determined will, 

 she may, by whipping, force him to obey, but 

 this means is not always reliable, especially 

 with a high-spirited animal, nor is it a method 



