INTRODUCTION. 



Horse Sense is the result of nearly a lifetime's association with the 

 horse, in observing his character, the laws of reproduction, adaptation of 

 his conformation and nerve force for die varied uses required and the 

 natural laws that govern all his actions. 



The character of horses, like that of men, is as varied as ancestral 

 endowment and environment can make their impressions on the organi- 

 zation. That the horse is an intelligent animal there can certainly be 

 no doubt in the present development and training of the animal. That 

 he is also endowed with propensities (it not sentiments) very similar to 

 those of man, there is ample proof sufBcient to satisfy the most incredu- 

 lous. The evolution of ihe horse demonstrates that by a strict conformity 

 to the laws of reproduction — "like begetting like or the likeness of some 

 ancestor" — that we are able to produce the varied types of horses for 

 the specific uses for which each is by nature best adapted. 



While the character and breeding of horses is of great importance, 

 that of a useful education is ol equal, if not more, value. Has it ever 

 occurred to the reader that every duty, service, performance and require- 

 ment of the horse for our benefit, is the result of his education? Like 

 his owner or handler, he must first be shown, taught, and have explained 

 in an intelligent manner, how to perform the required duties, before he 

 can reasonably be expected to execute them well. He must not only 

 be taught what to do, but how to do it, and we all know from personal 

 experience, that we often have to practice a long time after we know 

 what to do, before we can perform the duty well. Then, should we 

 not have great patience with the horse in his education. When we stop 

 to consider that the horse is a mute (not able to talk), and that his 

 services require intelligence and education to be able to do them well, 

 does not the situation in its broad sense appeal to the sympathy and 

 superior ability of man. to educate this most valuable servant of hu- 

 manity in the best possible manner? 



Horse Sense is intended to appeal to the good "common sense" of 

 men in all they have to do with horses, and especially in relation to the 

 "natural laws" which govern all the actions of horses. Unless we com- 

 prehend these laws and comply with them, we will make a dismal failure 

 of handling horses. Kindness, patience, perseverance, consistency of 

 method, practical applicatiow of means of control, and a close observ- 

 ance of the nature of the horse to be dealt with, will produce surprising 

 results. But if wc opperate in opposition to these natural laws and we 



